Intensive Review: USHC 2.1 - Territorial Acquisitions of the United States

Overview

Significance: Doubled the size of the U.S.
Cost: Three cents per acre.
Jefferson's Dilemma:
- Strict constructionist with no direct constitutional provision for land purchases.
- Justified purchase through treaty-making power.
- Initially considered amending the Constitution but decided against it.
Exploration:
- Sent Lewis and Clark to explore the new territory.
- Aimed to find a northwest passage (which does not exist).

Economic Context:
- Early 19th-century economy based on exporting crops and raw materials.
- Free trade system disrupted due to British impressment of American sailors.
Jefferson's Response:
- Embargo Act of 1807: Intended to eliminate trade with foreign nations.
- Attempted to use economic coercion to avoid war but was unpopular and ineffective, especially in New England.
Political Dynamics:
- Emergence of war hawks like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun advocating for war.
- Madison issued a war message leading to the War of 1812.

Issues leading to the war:
- British impressment of sailors.
- Cutting off American trade.
- Arming Native Americans against westward expansion.
Outcome:
- Battle of New Orleans: Major victory led by Andrew Jackson; boosted national pride.
- Jackson emerged as a popular political figure and champion of democracy.

Indian Removal Act (1830s):
- Forced relocation of Native Americans from the southeast to Oklahoma.
- Justified as beneficial but driven by land desires of white settlers.
- Trail of Tears: Notable consequence of this policy.

Upcoming discussions on Manifest Destiny, westward movement, and the Monroe Doctrine.