Slave states refers to the states in the United States where slavery was legal and practiced. These states relied on enslaved individuals for their agricultural labor force.
Related terms
Free States: Free states were those in which slavery was not allowed or practiced. These states did not rely on enslavement for their economy.
Missouri Compromise: The Missouri Compromise was an agreement that aimed to maintain a balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also drew a line (36°30') across the Louisiana Territory, stating that any new state formed above that line would be free.
Compromise of 1850: The Compromise of 1850 attempted to resolve issues surrounding slavery's expansion by admitting California as a free state, implementing stricter fugitive slave laws, and allowing popular sovereignty in certain territories.