Which Came First, the Indian or the Slave?: Missouri's Struggle for Statehood and the Origins of Indian Removal, 1818-1821.

The article delves into the events surrounding Missouri's struggle for statehood, highlighting the importance of Indian removal as a key factor alongside the issue of slavery. It discusses how Missourians' focus on westward expansion and the removal of Native Americans shaped their priorities during the statehood crisis, revealing a complex interplay between territorial expansion, slavery, and Indian policy during the early 19th century.