Territorial Growth

Northwest Ordinance As population grew in the West, congress needed a way to develop the territories into states. The Northwest Ordinance stated that after sufficient population growth and an establishment of government, territories could become states. Slavery was made illegal, but many territories placed restrictions on free blacks to prevent them from coming into the west.

Expansion and Education With the expansion westward, many states feared that the U.S. identity and values would begin to fade away. The Northwest Territory would use education to make sure American values and traditions would be carried out. One key figure in early education was Noah Webster. Webster compiled the first U.S. dictionary that included words and spelling distinct to the United States rather than the traditional British. Webster helped to establish a national language and helped unify educational standards.

The Louisiana Territory Thomas Jefferson wanted to secure trading along the Mississippi River. To do so he needed to gain land from France. Napoleon was on a conquest to conquer most of Europe. He needed money to finance this campaign and saw the territory in America as a way to obtain this. Jefferson was unsure about purchasing the territory because he didn’t know if it was constitutional. Jefferson was a strict constructionist. Jefferson purchased the territory in This was the largest expansion of territory yet, doubling the size of the U.S.

How to interpret the Constitution? Strict Constructionist Loose Constructionist Felt the constitution was a legally binding document and should be interpreted as it was written. Unless it is specifically granted in the constitution, the government did not have the power. Thomas Jefferson was a strict constructionist, which is why the Louisiana Purchase raised question for him. Felt the constitution was free to be interpreted in which ever way you deemed it. Many Federalists would stretch the limits of how the constitution could be interpreted.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Thomas Jefferson appointed his personal secretary, Meriwether Lewis, to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. William Clark would help Lewis along with the assistance of Sacagawea. In September 1806, Lewis and Clark returned with great information regarding the newly gained western lands. The pathway found would be called the Oregon Trail.

War of 1812 Great Britain had been restricting U.S. trade, and was impressing U.S. soldiers (capturing them and making the join the British Navy). Finally on June 12, 1812 Congress declared war on Britain. Great Britain would take the early lead, and even burned down much of Washington D.C. The U.S. would persevere and win at Fort McHenry. The U.S. victories at Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans, led by Andrew Jackson, led the U.S. to signing a treaty with Britain. The Treaty of Ghent did not grant any official land gains in the United States, but it did keep the Mississippi River and frontier open.

Impact of the War of 1812 By winning the war of 1812, this helped create a stronger sense of national identity. People felt proud to be American since we had stood up to the British not once, but twice. Because of the war, U.S. ships had not been able to trade. This cause U.S. industry to grow much stronger. This created a new sense of national pride. Major Improvements: Northern Industry Southern Cotton Farms

Erie Canal and New York City New York had become the major economic center in the United States. With the implementation of the factory system by Samuel Slayter, mill towns began to boom. New York became the major trading hub for all of these materials. New York primarily gained this dominance with the creation of the Erie Canal because it connected the west with the eastern coast.

Inventions Samuel Slayter: Factory System Robert Fulton: Steam Engine Cotton Gin: Eli Whitney

Henry Clay’s American System In 1824 Secretary of State Henry Clay proposed what he called the American System. Clay supported several measures he thought were crucial to improving the nation’s infrastructure and economy. This developed roads, rail lines, services and utilities, canals, and so on. A protective tariff (tax on imports) would be put into effect to help U.S. manufacturing continue to grow. This also called for the creation of a second national bank.

Monroe Doctrine With the end of the War of 1812 the U.S. entered a period of prosperity called the Era of Good Feelings. President James Monroe would issue the Monroe Doctrine during this time. This stated that all European nations needed to stay out of the Americas. Any European nations caught trying to colonize areas in the Americas would be considered acting in aggression, and the U.S. would declare war. Monroe also said the U.S. would not interfere in the internal affairs of other American countries, nor in those of European powers.