U.S vs Mexico.

As time has passed, people from both, the United States and Mexico have developed a great rivalry. This rivalry is fueled by nationalism. In this modern era, whenever the United States faces Mexico in some sort of challenge, a victory over the rival is more than just another victory. It is a victory that provides pride of one's nation.
The start of this rivalry flourished after the Mexican-American War. In going to war against Mexico, President of the United States, James Polk was taking into account the best interest of the United States, for his ultimate purpose was territorial expansion.
The Mexican- American War was one of the biggest conflicts sustained by the idea of "Manifest Destiny"- The belief that America had the God- given right to expand its territories. When President Polk took office in 1845, the idea of "manifest destiny" had taken over the mentality of most Americans, and so it did in the mind of President James Polk.
He demonstrated to be a follower of this idea through his work to settle the Oregon border affair and through his desire for the acquisition of California. In addition he also admitted Texas into the union a decade later after they had gained their independence from Mexico.
President Polk, not satisfied with the annexation of Texas, wanted to acquire the California - New Mexico region as well. Since past attempts to obtain this territory through negotiations with Mexico had failed, Polk needed another way put his hand on the tempting territory. He opted for a more violent and later controversial way, war.
Polk sent troops to the disputed area near Nueces river and the Rio Grande. He proceeded to do this despite the fact that many Americans believed the area belonged to the Mexicans. Polk's opportunity to declare war came when Mexican forces, according to him, had crossed over the border to attack Americans. - This was never proved.
This excuse- based war brought a victory to the Americans after they had gone all the way to Mexico's capital to defeat Mexico. Polk, in such a controversial manner, had accomplished his ambitions for territorial expansion. Under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Mexican - American war was terminated. The treaty stated that Mexico recognized the American claims to the are north of the Rio Grande. Mexico also ceded California and New Mexico to the United States for $15 million.
Even though Polk was not satisfied with the terms of the treaty because he thought America deserved even more territory, in his first term as president, Polk achieved his ultimate goal and attributed to Washington's reference to America as a " Rising Empire."
Ultimately, Polk made a huge impact for United States history, for the American territory dramatically, if not unbelievably, increased since the American Revolution. This acquirement of land would boost America's economy, since it created an infinite number of jobs.

Mr. Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. He served two terms, from 1801 to 1809. He was also the principal author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He helped to promote the ideas of Republicanism, since he was the leader of the Democratic- Republican party. His presidency could be seen as satisfactory in domestic affairs policies and actions which took part mostly on his first term; Though during his second term, he had difficulty dealing with foreign affairs policies and actions.
Throughout his first term, surprisingly, Jefferson maintained the federalist domestic and foreign policies such as the Bank of the United States and Hamilton's debt repayment plan. He also wanted to remain apart from international alliances and maintain the nations neutrality. In addition, internal taxes were reduced, military budget was cut and government size was reduced.
His most important accomplishment involving foreign affairs, was the decision he made concerning the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which he conducted despite not having authorization by constitutional amendment. The opportunity came when Napoleon was in a big need for money to defend his territory, and he offered to sell the Louisiana territory to the United States, who paid only $15 million. Regretting this offer would have changed the history of the United States from what it is now, since the size of the U.S. almost doubled in size after the acquisition of this land.
This vast amount of territory needed to be explored; Jefferson organized an expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This individuals helped gather information of this "new" land. This was a helpful move by Jefferson to start a westward expansion.
After his re-election in 1804, Jefferson was faced with foreign affairs, in which he did not have a pleasant experience. In North Africa, a coastal nation known as Barbary States were seizing international ships and holding their crews for ransom. United States ships were susceptible to be attacked, as a result, the United States pay the pirates to protect their ships; It wasn't until the United States defeated the pirates in 1805, that the damages stopped.
To make things worst, relations with France and Britain also worsened. The conflict between the French and British intensified, which resulted in irregularity in of the American shipping. The British tried to stop trade between the U.S. and France by adopting various tactics such as capturing of American ships and forcing the sailors into the British navy. Jefferson, instead of opting for war against one or both nations, decided to punish the British and French through a series of acts. The most significant was the Embargo Act of 1809, which attempted to force respect for U.S. neutrality by ending all foreign trade. Unfortunately, for Jefferson, the act was a total failure since it hurt more than it helped the United States.
Jefferson's presidency was weak most likely because he was the president of a young, developing nation of which he was only the third president. This means that he did not have much to learn from the experiences of the only two previous presidents, George Washington and John Adams. However, we can also say that his presidency was an admirable one, since he did make a risky move defying the constitution: the purchase of the Louisiana territory, which came out to be a great success. He can also be recognized as one of the founding fathers of America for his big contributions that helped developed this country.

R.I.P. - AOC.

Clearly, the Articles of Confederation were an inadequate form of government,as it developed foreign and domestic problems or weaknesses. The Articles of Confederation represent the first constitutional agreement between the thirteen American colonies . Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was weak, and most of the power stood with the states.

In foreign matters, under the AOC, Congress could make decisions, however it required the approval of the states. Additionally, they had to request troops from the states in spite of not having a chief executive or state department to conduct foreign affairs. Mainly, the AOC had a great impact on economy concerning foreign relations; In most part, this was due to the irregular monetary system. Furthermore, the central government could not regulate international trade.

Domestically, the AOC was also a great failure. It gave no power to congress to tax or regulate trade among the states. In addition, it permitted the states to take individual actions. Congress could also pass laws, but could not force states to obey them. In addition, the currency was not a standard one, for each new state had money different from other states; As a result of congress' incapability to tax states, the paying of debts of the Revolutionary war became a major issue. Because the AOC let the states decide on their taxes, Massachusetts implied high taxes on their citizens, its consequence being Shay's rebellion which led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and served as a major factor for the creation of the Federal government.

Regardless of the AOC's successful Northwest Ordinance, which created the Northwest territory, the Articles of Confederation were a weak and ineffective form of constitutional government. The AOC, however, provided an experience that would help develop a better government later on. This new government would be based on the United States Constitution of 1788.

Radicals, moderates, or conservatives? 2

The first and second continental congresses were shaped by different opinions from different parties.Each faction provided convincing arguments for their positions. However, the one that was most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals were the radicals, due to their belief that the relationship between England and the colonies had come to an end and there was no return; They also believed in freedom for the people.
"When in the course of human events, it becomes neccessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with one another"- Thomas Jefferson. This quote is the first line of the famed Declaration of Independence, but it also helps describe one of the beliefs of the radicals. They though parliament did not have any authority to tax the colonist.
In contrast with the moderates and conservatives, the radicals believed that America needed to liberate itself from England. In fact, the failure of the conservative Galloway Plan, which would bring back the status of the colonies and England as it was before the French And Indian War, opened the doors for the radicals to take control of actions.
Radicals were clearly the most succesful out of the three parties. This was due to the unity and the convincing arguments they had. An example of this unity would be the Boston Tea Party as well as the Minute Man, who were armed residents from Massachussets that wera ready to respond to a moments notice.
The ultimate goals of the radicals, to be free from England and freedom for the people, would be favored by later events such as the successful American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

Radical,moderates, or conservatives?

The first and second continental congress were shaped by different opinions from three parties. Each faction providedconvincing arguments for their positions. However, the one that was most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals were the radicals due to their beliefs about separation from England and rights of the colonist such as liberty.
"When in the course of human events it becomes neccesary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another" - Thomas Jefferson; This quote is the first line of the famed Declaration of Independence, but it also helps describe one of the beliefs of the radicals that would eventually come to pass. In contrast with the moderates and the conservatives, the radicals believed that America needed to liberate itself from England and the many actions they tooked, including the Boston tea party, the declaration of rights and grievances and eventually the war leading to their succes.
A big help for the radicals, was the support they got for from the people, for example: they promised freedom to slaves if they helped. The radicals were the most succesfulbecause of their belief in liberty, the support from the citizens and their want to be free from Engand.

Essay.

English colonies in the New World were different from one another in terms of government, population and origin.
Colonies such as Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Maryland, were started for religious freedom. The Duke of Baltimore established the colony of Maryland after he had reccently converted to Catholism and wanted to establish a colony for the English colonist who were mistreated by the Anglican church. In Rhode Islan, Roger Williams established what is belived to be the first Baptist Church in America, in addition, he made Rhode Island more liberal than any other English settlements; He sheltered abused Quakers although he strongly disagreed with their views.
Other Colonies such as Massachusets Bay, were started for economic reasons, as well as New Netherland which was established as the base for the Dutch and French fur trade. Another reason why colonies were established was to serve as penal colonies, like Georgia.
Massachusetts and other mid- atlantic colonies tended to have a higher population due to the freedoms which made the number of immigratns increase. Furthermore, the unhealthy conditions of the south helped the north have a higher population.
As time passed in the colonies, economic, class, recial and political divisions would come to existance. Each of these would become especific to certain colonies and set these apart even further.


Happy "birthay" to ur daughter MB!

AP U.S History

I chose to take AP U.S history because I wanted to have at least one AP class in my curriculum for college and because I get a college credit for taking this class.