preview

The Second President Of The United States

Decent Essays

History remembers the ones that we hold up for their accomplishments. Thomas Jefferson is one of the American presidents that vastly contributed to the current form of our government. Jefferson, the third President of the United States, primarily remembered for two main achievements; he made the Declaration of Independence and made the Louisiana Purchase possible to Americans. From the fear of losing free Trade and having European Neighbors, Jefferson wanted to purchase the territory of Louisiana. Specifically, Jefferson was afraid that foreign countries would occupy the city of New Orleans, which controls the Mississippi River that serves as a major trade route for American merchants. Although the territory was somewhat expensive for America, it had a lot of advantages. Firstly, the purchase treaty eliminated any chances of European presence in the American Continent, especially France. Secondly, it prevented Jefferson from forming a military alliance with Britain. In addition, it provided peaceful relations with the French. Also, it gave Americans the Mississippi River, which played a huge role in the use of free trade. The Louisiana territory has a strategic location between many countries, and Thomas Jefferson understood the importance of laying his hand on it. Also, he understood that the purchase would literally allow the US to double its size and empower the National Government (Balleck). I will try to analyze the benefits of the purchase, to the citizens of the

Get Access