The Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase is undoubtedly one of the main land deals in American history. When buying more than 800,000 square miles of territory from France in 1803, the United States paid roughly 15 million dollars. (Fradin). This agreement was possibly Thomas Jefferson's most significant accomplishment while in office. However, it sparked a contentious discussion among Americans.
Jefferson's Decision
Jefferson's decision to complete the acquisition of Louisiana in the face of fierce opposition from the Federalists demonstrates both his deviance and his ability to be a determined and visionary leader. Since such a transaction was not specifically mentioned in the American constitution, he was forced to set aside his moral beliefs. The power to purchase the property from the foreign governments actually was not in the list of powers of the Executive in Article IV of the United States Constitution, a fact which his political opponents, particularly the Federalists wanted to rise against his decision (Jaffe).
The Purchase Process
Jefferson assumed a literal, strict outlook of the powers of the constitution, implying that particular powers preserved for the Executive Branch and President required being expressed plainly in the constitution. Realizing this, Jefferson regarded the amendment of the constitution as the only path towards concluding the Louisiana Purchase with France. Nonetheless, waiting for the amendment of the constitution could have caused a delay of the deal. Accordingly, Jefferson decided to proceed with the purchase. Coincidentally, the United States citizens agreed basically that this decision was a good move. Jefferson`s move to proceed with this purchase indicated his character of determination and by the fact it was a move that was accepted by many later, it justifies his visionary character. Similarly, Jefferson was an opportunistic leader. He took advantage of Napoleon Bonaparte`s need for resources to invest in battles in Europe to bargain for the Louisiana Purchase at the smaller sum of money so as to increase the power and size of the U.S.
The Significance of the Purchase
The purchase of Louisiana was more than just the real estate sense to America. This purchase saw the United States double its territory. The borders of the United States now had to cover a vast region from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Accordingly, this purchase made the United States secure control the New Orleans Port City and the Mississippi River. Both of which already were being used by the American farmers in shipping their crops. Also, the purchase got rid of France which was posing a military danger to America (Zurn). Besides, the Louisiana Purchase communicated to the rest of the world that the United States could find ways and means to solve her problems peacefully. Instead of fighting France and Spain over New Orleans Port City and the Mississippi River usage, the United States was able to find a peaceful remedy of solving the issue. Likewise, the purchase showed the Native Americans who were already dwelling in the area that the government cared about them and could work so as to meet their wants and needs. Thusly, this assisted the western farmers to remain loyal to the country. Additionally, the Louisiana Purchase indicated to the citizens that literal perception of the constitution was required. Because of the constitution limit, Jefferson delayed making the purchase, despite being convinced to proceed with the purchase later even before making amendments. Clearly, this indicates that there are times that the constitution ought to be adopted following a change of time.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition brought a number of crucial things to America. Lewis and Clark provided valuable information regarding the topography, ecology, biological sciences and the linguistic and ethnic studies of the Indian American. The mysteries related to the vast region called the Louisiana Purchase disappeared quickly after Clark and Lewis expedition. It should be noted that geographic discovery was a crucial goal which was set by Jefferson for the expedition. Clark and Lewis recorded a wide knowledge of science as they took note of significant geographic features, constructed detailed route maps besides recording their observations of the latitude and longitude (Gray 110).
Good Associations with the Indians
Lewis and Clark's expedition further aimed at establishing good associations with the Indians besides carrying ethnological and linguistic studies. Consequently, Clark and Lewis held meetings with the council of the Indian tribes whom they met on the way. The Americans desired to open a door to the diplomatic relations so as to gain access to the trading rights with the Indians. Lewis and Clark notified the Indians of United States' new sovereignty under the Louisiana Purchase terms, a factor that encouraged trade between America and the Indians. Likewise, Clark and Lewis reported on the environmental aspects of the new region. They noted the prospects of the land for future use for agriculture. They study animal and plant life while noting the mineral deposits as well as the climate of the country. Lewis and Clark had also some noteworthy accomplishments relating to the biological science field. They became the first people to describe at length the various animals and plant species that were new to science (Hamen).
The Value of the Louisiana Purchase and the Expedition
The Louisiana Purchase was not waste of resources by the U.S since it increased the territory of the U.S thereby settling the excess population besides facilitating the control of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans Port City which were strategic for trade. Similarly, the Lewis and Clark expedition was not a waste of government resources. While Clark and Lewis failed to discover the North West passage and to commence overland immigration and western fur trade, certainly they influenced the later movements as they provided valuable information regarding the topography, ecology, biological sciences and the linguistic and ethnic studies of the Indian American.
Work Cited
Fradin, Dennis B. The Louisiana Purchase. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2010. Print.
Gray, Edward G. "The Lewis And Clark Expedition." Itinerario 29.03 (2005): 110. Web.
Hamen, Susan E. The Lewis & Clark Expedition. Edina, Minn.: ABDO Pub., 2008. Print.
Jaffe, Elizabeth Dana. The Louisiana Purchase. Mankato, Minn.: Bridgestone Books, 2002. Print.
Zurn, Jon. The Louisiana Purchase. Edina, Minn.: ABDO Pub. Co., 2008. Print.
