Changes

The figures in the cartoon (from left to right) represent Britain, Russia (specifically the czar of Russia), and America. It was drawn by the American cartoonist William Charles, around 1813, before the Treaty of Ghent, which was actually signed on December 24, 1814. I think that Charles is implying that Britain (represented by the kneeling character of John Bull) should never have entered the war with America, because it had cost them too much. This cartoon also depicts Russia (symbolized by the bear) trying to be the mediator for peace between Britain and America. Columbia (the lady who represents America) is saying that she cannot consider negotiating peace with England until they have proved they can be trusted by Americans. Up until this time, they were destroying our cities, arming and inciting the Native Americans to attack forts and settlements, harassing our ships and impressing our sailors, etc.  

The figures in the cartoon (from left to right) represent Britain, Russia (specifically the czar of Russia), and America. It was drawn by the American cartoonist William Charles, around 1813, before the Treaty of Ghent, which was actually signed on December 24, 1814. I think that Charles is implying that Britain (represented by the kneeling character of John Bull) should never have entered the war with America, because it had cost them too much. This cartoon also depicts Russia (symbolized by the bear) trying to be the mediator for peace between Britain and America. Columbia (the lady who represents America) is saying that she cannot consider negotiating peace with England until they have proved they can be trusted by Americans. Up until this time, they were destroying our cities, arming and inciting the Native Americans to attack forts and settlements, harassing our ships and impressing our sailors, etc.  

8. Describe something that surprises you about the map of the United States in 1840.  

8. Describe something that surprises you about the map of the United States in 1840.  

I find it surprising that the top of the Northeast (part of Maine today) and the Oregon Country were claimed by both England and America. Only a few years before, these two countries had been fighting against each other, but in 1840, they still shared the same territory. In addition, it is interesting to see that Mexico still owned a big portion of our land in the west, from the Pacific Ocean to the middle of modern-day Texas.

I find it surprising that the top of the Northeast (part of Maine today) and the Oregon Country were claimed by both England and America. Only a few years before, these two countries had been fighting against each other, but in 1840, they still shared the same territory. In addition, it is interesting to see that Mexico still owned a big portion of our land in the west, from the Pacific Ocean to the middle of modern-day Texas.

H1. I think we overpaid in buying the Louisiana Purchase, and that it was unconstitutional also. Do you agree?  

H1. I think we overpaid in buying the Louisiana Purchase, and that it was unconstitutional also. Do you agree?  

I agree that purchasing the Louisiana Territory was unconstitutional, however I disagree that we paid too much for it. Originally, the price for the territory was $11.25 million. Even though we may have been stuck paying an extra $4 million in debts owed by France to American citizens, we almost doubled the size of our country for only a few pennies an acre. Jefferson may have jumped the gun and purchased the land without the Congress’s approval, however timing is everything. In the early 1800s, communication and travel was much slower than it is today. If he had waited for all the Congressmen to convene in Washington DC, and then vote on the decision, it would have taken a long time. The congressmen cannot travel quickly back then as they can today. Besides that, the Senate later ratified the “Louisiana Purchase” by more than two-thirds of the Congress. If they had not approved of it, then we would have had a problem. Jefferson may have used the wrong methods, but I feel these were extenuating circumstances and the end justified the means. This does not mean this should set a precedent for the future presidents. I do not think they should have the power to circumvent the proper constitutional provisions.

I agree that purchasing the Louisiana Territory was unconstitutional, however I disagree that we paid too much for it. Originally, the price for the territory was $11.25 million. Even though we may have been stuck paying an extra $4 million in debts owed by France to American citizens, we almost doubled the size of our country for only a few pennies an acre. Jefferson may have jumped the gun and purchased the land without the Congress’s approval, however timing is everything. In the early 1800s, communication and travel was much slower than it is today. If he had waited for all the Congressmen to convene in Washington DC, and then vote on the decision, it would have taken a long time. The congressmen cannot travel quickly back then as they can today. Besides that, the Senate later ratified the “Louisiana Purchase” by more than two-thirds of the Congress. If they had not approved of it, then we would have had a problem. Jefferson may have used the wrong methods, but I feel these were extenuating circumstances and the end justified the means. This does not mean this should set a precedent for the future presidents. I do not think they should have the power to circumvent the proper constitutional provisions.