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Politically powerful merchants resisted the separation movement until after the [[War of 1812]], when [[Massachusetts]] proved unable or unwilling to protect Mainers against the British.

Politically powerful merchants resisted the separation movement until after the [[War of 1812]], when [[Massachusetts]] proved unable or unwilling to protect Mainers against the British.

Maine eventually became the 23rd State under the [[Missouri Compromise]] of 1820. Maine's position as a free state balanced Missouri's entry as a slave state the following year. The state constitution was

Maine eventually became the 23rd State under the [[Missouri Compromise]] of 1820. Maine's position as a free state balanced Missouri's entry as a slave state the following year. The state constitution was rooted in political independence, [[freedom of religion|religious freedom]] and popular control of government.

rooted in political independence, religious freedom and popular control of government.

William King, who served as president of the Constitutional Convention, was a shipbuilder and merchant from Bath. He subsequently became Maine's first governor.

William King, who served as president of the Constitutional Convention, was a shipbuilder and merchant from Bath. He subsequently became Maine's first governor.