Chapter 22: US Events

Missouri Compromise

The Missouri Compromise was the first precedent for the congressional exclusion of slavery from public territory acquired since the adoption of the Constitution. It was also a clear recognition that Congress has no right to impose upon a state asking for admission into the Union conditions which do not apply to those states already in the Union. This was important for a number of reasons, but most of them were confined to the United States. While slavery was a vital part of the world economy at this point of time (The US being the lead cotton export), this compromise affected countries overseas very little. Europe was thriving under the Industrial Revolution, and the petty arguments over in the US about which states could own people must have been seen as barbaric. This compromise would ultimately lead to a civil war, a war which will set the US back while other countries flourish under industrialized regimes. 

Battle of the Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo is used as a symbol of not quitting. It occurred during the Texas Revolution with Mexico. 236 men held off an army of 3000 Mexicans for two weeks until they were wiped out. In April an army of Texans led by Sam Houston beat the Mexican army and the Republic of Texas was formed. Texas then went on to become a part of the US. The Battle of the Alamo is a good example of American Patriotism, and a lot of this old "against the odds" spirit is still with us today. This event didn't make great waves throughout the world however. Really the only other country affected was Mexico. However the spirit that is represented here is very reminiscent of the revolts and revolutions being held in Europe. They are fighting for freedom, just like the French or the Italians, against a superior opponent.