The Missouri Compromise: Unable to Hold Off the Tragedy of the Civil War

2019 Guides - Theme: Triumph & Tragedy in History
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The Missouri Compromise, 1820

Getting Started

Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.

Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings

Missouri Compromise 1820
James Tallmadge Jr.
Tallmadge Amendment
Henry Clay
Dred Scott Decision
Louisiana Purchase
restrictionists 1820
anti-restrictionists 1820

Special Collections and Archives Resources

The Special Collections and Archives at the Central Library focus on Colorado and the West, including the Tenth Mountain Division, Conservation history, and the history of Denver, and feature many primary source materials. 

The Special Collections and Archives at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library focus on African American history and culture in Colorado and the West, and also feature many primary source collections.

Items from these two locations do not check out and are available to see during the hours we are open. Our Special Collections staff are available to assist by phone and email and can provide scans of collection items for your project. To determine which of these two locations is best for your project, email history@denverlibrary.org and include "National History Day" in your subject line. You may also call 720-865-1821 (Central) or 720-865-2401 (Blair-Caldwell). 

Database/Online Resources

Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources.The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.

U.S. History (Gale)

Provides a complete overview of our nation’s past that covers the most-studied events, decades, conflicts, wars, political and cultural movements, and people from reference sources, full-text magazines, academic journals, news articles, primary source documents, images, videos, audio files and links to vetted web sites.

Available with library card

Internet Sources

Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.

Contemporary newspaper article regarding the debate.
The format is one of Clay Jenkinson, the humanities scholar and social commentator, examining a current or historical event using both a Jeffersonian lens and a modern-day humanities lens. The gift we bring to both program formats is the ability to help people strip through the advertised message and look for the truth of the situation. The truth may be painful and self-revealing, but it is always uplifting to the spirit.
The Compromise of 1850 Heritage Society was created by the University of Massachusetts History Club. We wanted to create a source that will explore antebellum America and explain in simple terms political actions that took the country to Civil War. We combine basic facts and provide historical documents and a wide variety of media such as maps, landmark illustrations and portraits to enhance understanding and research in order to promote excellence in learning.
If you have questions about the material presented here or need help with your own history project, do not hesitate e-mail us at: umasshistoryclub@hotmail.com
Original correspondence regarding the Compromise from the Library of Congress.
Original correspondence regarding the Compromise from the Library of Congress.
Database of and index to 5000+ full text, audio and video versions of public speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews, other recorded media events, and a declaration or two.
The online tool for teaching with documents, from the National Archives
The online tool for teaching with documents, from the National Archives

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