Transcript Michigan*s Path to Statehood 1830 * 1837

Ellen Rambo
 I hope you enjoy this lesson about Michigan’s path to
statehood; the path is unlike an other. You will learn about:
 The teenaged governor
 Requirements for statehood
 Michigan’s war with Toledo!
 How the issue of slavery impacted Michigan’s admittance,
and more.
 There will be a short quiz at the end to test your
understanding. You will need to get 2 out of 3 correct to
pass.
 Michigan was originally part of the Northwest Territory.
 The Michigan Territory was established in 1817 after Ohio,
Indiana, and Illinois were admitted into the Union. The
territory reached all the way to the Missouri River in
present day South Dakota!
 To learn more about westward expansion, click here.
 Stevens T. Mason moved to the Michigan Territory with his
father in 1830 when his father was appointed Secretary of the
Territory by
 He took over his father’s job in 1831 at the age of 19. You had to be
21 to vote!
 Tom Mason filled in for the governors who were gone most of the
time.
 For more information, press Pres. Andrew Jackson.
Return to Question 2
1.
When the population reached 5,000 adults, elections
could be held to pick a legislature. The legislature chose a
member of the U.S. House of Representatives who was a
non-voting member.
2.
With 60,000 adults, the legislature drafted a state
constitution and a Bill of Rights.
3.
A formal request for statehood was made.
4.
U.S. Congress accepted or denied the request.
 The Territory’s population ballooned from 5,000 - 85,000
people between 1807 and 1835. This was due to the Erie
Canal, which opened in 1825. It was now much easier to
travel to the west.
 In 1835, a territorial government was elected and the state
constitution was written. Stevens Mason was elected
Governor, before official statehood!
 All Michigan needed was Toledo to make it’s request
complete.
 When Ohio was admitted into the Union, it used the
incorrect northern border, which was supposed to fall
south of Toledo. Ohio, however, wanted Toledo for its port.
Michigan wanted it back, and Gov. Mason threatened war.
 It was an impossible task to reclaim the land because Ohio
was a state and Michigan was a powerless territory.
 Michigan lost this verbal war, compromising instead for the
Upper Peninsula. The U. P. ended up a much better deal.
Back to Question 1
 The United States government was very fragile. Even in
1835, 30 years before the Civil War, the issue of slavery
was very a bitter topic.
 Southern states would only allow Michigan’s statehood
if a slave state was admitted at the same time.
 Arkansas was paired with Michigan and was the 25th
state admitted into the Union. To learn more, click
here.
 With the end of the Toledo War and the slave state issue
settled, the U.S. Congress admitted Michigan as the 26th
State of the Union on January 26, 1837.
 Do you notice that the seal
states 1835 as the date of
statehood (MDCCCXXXV)
when it officially entered the
Union in 1837?
 1835 is the year that
Michiganders elected their
own legislature, governor, and
approved a state constitution.
To them, they were a state.
 Press Here to learn more
about our state’s seal.
Back to Question 3
 You will be given three questions.
 Do your best, that’s all I ask.
 Good Luck!
1. Poor communication
2. The Toledo War
3. Michigan citizen’s did not want to join the Union
4. The territory did not have enough people.
Press here for Question #2
 Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here
to find the answer
 Return to quiz
 Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here
to find the answer
 Return to quiz
Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here
to find the answer
 Return to quiz
 2. The Toledo War
 Click here to return to the quiz
Nicely
Done!!!
Who led Michigan’s efforts to become a state?
1.
Gov. Lewis Cass
2.
Gov. George Porter
1.
Gov. Stevens Mason
2.
Pres. Andrew Jackson
Click here for Question #3
 I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy
Governor.” Click here to find the correct answer.
 Return to the quiz
I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy Governor.”
Click here to find the correct answer.
Return to the quiz
 I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy
Governor.” Click here to find the correct answer.
 Return to the quiz
 2. Stevens Mason, the “Boy Governor”
 Return to the quiz
Nicely
Done!!!
Why does the year on Michigan’s seal (1835) differ from the official date of
recognition (1837)?
1. Michigan residents recognized it’s statehood after the 1835 election.
2. It was an error.
3. The Union gave out seals when territories were in the process of
becoming states.
4. Michiganders like to confuse people.
Click here for the last page
 Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint: it was done
on purpose.
 Return to quiz
 Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint:
done on purpose.
 Return to quiz
it was
 Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint:
done on purpose.
 Return to quiz
it was
 1. Michigan residents recognized statehood after the
1935 elections.
Go back to Question 3
Nicely
Done!!!
 I hope that you learned a lot of interesting information
about our state.
 Be sure to discuss your new knowledge when you get
home today. You will teach your family a lot!
 Next time, you will learn how Michigan became the
copper capital of the country and how the state was
involved in the Civil War.
Start Over