And Manifest Destiny

Territorial Expansion

President Thomas Jefferson wanted to strengthen the nation

He changed his views of the Constitution

“Should he purchase the vast western territory called Louisiana from France?”

Quick Overview

Background:

By 1800, pioneer families had moved into Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio

At that point in time, that’s as far as America could expand

Jefferson felt that the United States should not stop expanding and would do anything in his power to do so

The Louisiana Purchase

USA before the Purchase

France had one of two choices:1.) Start conflict with the United States that

could possibly lead to war2.) Sell the land to the United States

France decides to sell the land to the United States for $15 Million

$230 Million in today’s exchange rate (45 Cents per acre)

The Louisiana Purchase

Napoleon Bonaparte needed the money to worry about other expansion projects and expanding France’s empire throughout Europe

Stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains

This doubled the size of the United States

The Louisiana Purchase

USA after the Purchase

Although the purchase was thought of as unjust and unconstitutional, Jefferson believed there was no evidence of unconstitutional actions taking place during the purchase of what became fifteen states. In hindsight, the Louisiana Purchase could be considered one of Thomas Jefferson’s greatest contributions to the United States

Thought of Purchase

Political Cartoon

After the Louisiana Purchase, many spent their time and lives exploring the great unknown that was the American West

Many went to claim lands and create a fortune

Exploration of the American West

A large stretch of land that extends from western Indiana to the eastern portions of Colorado

What resources did they have to build houses with?

About 2-3 times more difficult to live out in the American Great Plains than in the New England area

The Great American Desert

Fire Hazards

President Jefferson selected U.S. Army Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to head up the Corps of Discovery

Mission: To explore the Louisiana Purchase, establish trading routes, make peace with Natives along their journey, and ‘discover’ the Pacific Northwest

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark Meriwether Lewis William Clark

Their Journey

During the journey, Lewis and Clark drew about 140 maps

The expedition recorded more than 200 plants and animals that were new to science and noted at least 72 native tribes

Received help along the way by Native American by the name of Sacagawea

Their Journey

Lewis and Clark split up and decided to explore different rivers for about a months time

Before reuniting, one of Clark's hunters, Pierre Cruzatte, mistook Lewis for an elk and fired, injuring Lewis in the thigh. Once reunited, the Corps was able to return home quickly via the Missouri River. They reached St. Louis on September 23, 1806.

The Corps met their objective of reaching the Pacific, mapping and establishing their presence for a legal claim to the land. They established diplomatic relations and trade with at least two dozen indigenous nations. They did not find the Northwest Passage

Results-Onward Home

Using the Court Case in front of you, read the entire paper and answer the questions that follow. This will be collected at the end of the period for a grade if time permits. If not, please do for homework

‘Worcester v. Georgia’ with Chief Justice John Marshall

Closing Activity