What was the main controversy surrounding the Talmadge Amendment?

The main controversy surrounding the Talmadge Amendment was indeed that it caused a political gridlock in Congress. This amendment, proposed in 1819, aimed to restrict the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired territory of Missouri as part of its statehood process. The proposal ignited fierce debates between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, which reflected the broader national conflict regarding the expansion of slavery.

As a result of these deep divisions, the amendment faced significant opposition from southern representatives who viewed it as a direct threat to their economic and social systems built on slavery. This opposition led to a standoff in legislative action, effectively paralyzing Congress and showcasing the growing sectionalism within the nation. The conflict over the Talmadge Amendment highlighted the escalating tensions that would ultimately contribute to the Civil War.