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== Slavery 1800-1840 ==

== Slavery 1800-1840 ==

The ''importation'' of slaves into the United States was banned by Congress at its first available opportunity, in 1808, as allowed by the slavery compromise in the Constitution.  But slavery remained the foundation of the economy of many southern States, particularly South Carolina.  The dispute over slavery increasingly divided the North, many of whom opposed it, from the South, many of whom relied on it.

The ''importation'' of slaves into the United States was banned by Congress at its first available opportunity, in 1808, as allowed by the slavery compromise in the Constitution.  The importation of slaves was morally offensive for two reasons:  (1) up to a third of slaves died on ships as they were being imported from Africa, and (2) the importation perpetuated slavery which many thought should be abolished. The United States was one of the first countries in the world to ban slave trade.  In Australia, another British colony, slavery was not abolished until 1901.

 

But slavery remained the foundation of the economy throughout the first half of the 19th century in many southern States, particularly South Carolina.  The dispute over slavery increasingly divided the North, many of whom opposed it, from the South, many of whom relied on it.

An example of the divisiveness of the slavery issue was the Tallmadge Amendment proposed in the Senate in 1820.  It would have outlawed further slave importation into Missouri and also would have freed older slaves.  But it was defeated because the South was insistent that slavery continue, and even expand.

An example of the divisiveness of the slavery issue was the Tallmadge Amendment proposed in the Senate in 1820.  It would have outlawed further slave importation into Missouri and also would have freed older slaves.  But it was defeated because the South was insistent that slavery continue, and even expand.