During the years before the Civil War, Congress made several attempts to subdue the
nation’s strong and divided feelings about slavery. However, these attempts often made the
situation worse.

Choose two of these events: the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, or the
Kansas-Nebraska Act. In a short essay, explain how the two events tried to bring the nation
together and how these same events eventually pulled the nation further apart. Also be sure
to convey your ideas clearly, using standard English.