The Westward Expansion

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Karina Myers

Mr. Sales

US History

1 December 2016

The Westward Expansion

        Have you ever wondered how America got so large? The westward expansion was said to be the best way to acquire land because their was no wars or oppression of any people. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. France was selling the land because they were running low on funds for their war with England. Also, the land was occupied by Native Americans at the time it was sold. Once Andrew Jackson became president, he forced the Native Americans off the land. Even though it gave America more land, Westward Expansion should not be implemented throughout the US because it caused America to be put in between a war that had nothing to do with them and the Native Americans to lose their land.

        The Westward Expansion helped America in a lot of ways, including providing more land for America. “It is New Orleans, through which the produce of three-eighths of our territory must pass to market.” (Thomas Jefferson). Basically, the Louisiana Purchase included the land of New Orleans which would make it easier for farmers to ship their goods. Secondly,”This purchase more than doubled the area of the U.S, removed France entirely from North America, and secured to New Orleans and transport along the Mississippi River”(Louisiana Purchase). Lastly, by expanding America it gave them the Power of the Mississippi River and the land of New Orleans; On the other hand, France used the money America gave them to fight England. This caused England to believe America was in alliance with France.

Myers 2

        The Westward Expansion was originally supposed to keep America out of war but it actually brought war to us. In reality, “Jefferson looked to avoid war with France, but he initiated some bad blood with England after Napoleon used the money to fight England. This would lead us to another war.” (Louisiana Purchase). Of course, this war could have been avoided if America had left the land to France or brought it at a different time. But, as stated in the Louisiana Purchase document “The security and economic benefits of acquiring the territory won out” so America went on with the deal. By going on with the deal, The Native Americans were at risk for losing their land if they didn’t comply to the American way.