The Controversial Decisions of the US Government in History

Throughout documented United States history, immense changes in social, political, and economic establishments have been brought about by perplexing people or conditions. Often, these changes mark a turning point in the progress of civilization as new ideas are formed, new governments raised, or new discoveries put to use in the interest of progress. Whether these pivotal moments in history may be triggered due to a single nonconforming individual or a vast, radical multitude, each turning point has explicit influences and outcomes which shaped America for years to follow. Every important decision has two key dimensions. The first is the outcome in the immediate case, and the second is as

There are many events that occurred that became the foundation of present day America. The five most important historical events that occurred during American History were: the Renaissance; the European Reformation; the life of George Washington; concept of Manifest Destiny; and racism. These events each had a significant impact that formed the concepts that are used throughout America today; and, if they never happened or happened differently society would have been greatly affected.

The acquisition of the Louisiana territory in 1803 was the most notable achievement of his presidency, yet there inconsistency between his actions and his beliefs. Because the acquisition of this territory would change the union, it seemed to him that it should be authorized by a constitutional amendment. The process of amendment was very slow and Jefferson realized that there was no time for strict constructionalism. This purchase violated his constitutional morals and was regarded as a bold, executive action (Peterson, 1975).

The Decisions made to buy the Louisiana Purchase were tough; however, in the end the Louisiana Purchase was the most important land purchase in American history. In 1803 the United States had seventeen states along with the Northwest Territory. America still had not reached its potential growth, even though the states were still growing with settlers, until after the Louisiana Purchase. The president at this time was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s decision would soon be the birth of our nation, as well as be the largest land purchase in American history.

Why are the following events so important to America’s history? The events that include Brown V. Board of education, Emmet Till, Little Rock Nine, Freedom Summer, Chicago in the 1950’s, were all very important events to occur before a movement that was not necessarily alive, yet. These events were all important because of how they would start the momentum of the Civil Rights movement that would give African Americans the simple rights that any white man has. These events shared things in common such as the simple fact that they all involved African Americans pressing for rights that they deserved. All of these events whether they be positive or negative would be beneficial to the Civil Rights movement.

(1) National tax revenues decreased. (2) High tariffs increased foreign trade. (3) Treasury policies contributed to widespread inflation. (4) The newly created Bank of the United States helped stabilize the economy. 11 One result of the purchase of the Louisiana Territory (1803) was that the United States (1) acquired California from Spain (2) gained control of the port of New Orleans (3) ended border conflicts with British Canada (4) annexed Florida 12 The decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) was significant because it established that the Supreme Court (1) had limited powers over state courts (2) had the power to choose its own members (3) could declare a federal law unconstitutional (4) could impeach the president and other government officials 13 The constitutional controversy that led directly to the start of the Civil War concerned the right of states to (1) control tariff rates (2) sign treaties with foreign nations (3) redraw congressional districts (4) secede from the Union

Since the United States was founded as an independent nation from Great Britain, its people had confronted many economic, political, and social problems. The United States started to expand its territory in the western part of the country. Some examples are the Louisiana purchase from1803 and the Spanish Florida annexation. One of the most significant and controversial in the antebellum years was the Texas annexation which was a result of the War between Mexico and the war of independence by Texan rebels on the late 1830’s and 1840’s. Therefore, the annexation of the Republic of Texas existed from 1836-1845 produced controversy and consequences on both sides of the border.

1. Which of the following would have supported the actions shown in this cartoon during Reconstruction? (number 1)

It seems that since the beginning of history the actions of the government have always been criticized, especially in the sense of public spending. In the case of the Louisiana Purchase many political figures at the time it was created, as well as historians argue whether or not it was in fact a violation of the Constitution or not. This debate is still ongoing, but in order to analyze whether the Louisiana Purchase was unconstitutional or not, one must analyze the sequence of events leading to the acquisition of the territory by the United States.

Louisiana Purchase, more prominently known as an acquisition that doubled the size of the country we reside in, was much more than just a simple purchase, much less an easy one. Thomas Jefferson had to consider all the aspects, consequences, and effects that the decision of buying 2,144,500 square kilometers of land would have on the country (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia 1). This purchase brought many improvements to the country, but also had unexpected consequences that would transform the country as a whole. Although Jefferson’s decision was considered a mistake by some Federalists and caused conflicts with Spain, it was actually a step forward towards the respectable and prosperous country that many had envisioned the United States to be because it doubled the magnitude of opportunities, solved the initial conflict of attaining the port of New Orleans (thus continuing trade), removed France’s colonial power from North America, which made the United States the dominant influence in North America and, most significantly, secured new western territory, which led to westward expansion (Loos).

The Louisiana Purchase, in which jefferson acted and arguably overstepped his presidential powers. Marbury v. Madison in which established Judicial review in which the supreme court determines if things are constitutional or not and Jefferson's attempt at acquiring

The year of 1803 significantly changed our nation eternally. It stunned many people. In no way, shape or form, did we ever believe that our nation would expand so rapidly. What started with the small purchase of New Orleans led into the substantial purchase of the Louisiana Territory. This was a purchase that will make Thomas Jefferson a man to be remembered. Although, he wasn’t the only man who impacted the United States during this time period. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are the two men that are greatly known for their expedition across the Louisiana Territory. These two subjects, the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, altered our nation immeasurably.

The United States is one of the strongest nations in the world. We, as a nation, have learned a lot from other nations. For example, in the 1760’s we learned a lot of what not to do from Britain. America came to be because of citizens, who were known as patriots, that were unhappy with the British government. America gained their independence because of unfair laws passed by the British, such as, the Intolerable Acts, Stamp Act, Townshend Act; and violent acts such as the Boston Massacre.

Throughout time, history has paved the way for countless controversial events. It is through history that people have a deeper understanding of how the country evolved over the centuries. The history of America is no exception. Events that took place back then were either beneficial or detrimental to the growth of the nation, especially when it comes to documents that were written to deliberately affect the colonists and the Indians living in the U.S. Two major documents that shaped the development of the U.S. were the Proclamation of 1763 and the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The Proclamation of 1763 was a royal decree from King George III. It was a drastic attempt to ease tension and fights between colonists and Indians after the Platonic War where Indians rebelled against England. The Proclamation of 1763 stated that American colonists were prohibited to settle in land west of the Appalachian Mountains. King George created an imaginary line that spread from the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. He stated that

To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Although it was the greatest “real estate” deal, the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was perhaps one of the most controversial events in American History. President Thomas Jefferson, although he was a Founding Father and the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence, faced major opposition with his decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory from the French. Most of the opposition he faced, however, was domestic.