Moral Arguments Regarding Slavery with the Missouri Compromise and Compromise of 1850

When the Constitution was drafted slavery was not discussed for the fears that discussing such a matter would destroy the country before it even began. Nevertheless, thirty-three years after the adoption of the document that replaced the weaker Articles of Confederation, Congress would begin a series of epic legal battles to restrict slavery. However, little did they know that by seeking this ideal that they would contribute to splitting the Union that the founding fathers predicted. It was very clear that those that opposed slavery had discovered the evils of bonding a man or woman as property; however, one may argue the true intentions of the legal and moral battles that were fought. Although the intentions of those opposed to slavery were good, one cannot help but question the other possible motives behind the moral debates and political consequences of the Missouri Compromise and Compromise of 1850.