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Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson purchases the Louisiana territory from France effectively doubling the size of the United States allowing for further expansion and potential economic growth. -
Embargo Act of 1807
Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act of 1807 sought to declare the United State's neutrality between British, French, and Spanish affairs in Europe by also closing off trade with foreign nations. Ultimately this was seen as very unpopular and also hurt the United State's economy. -
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War of 1812
The War of 1812 was brought about by impressments of American soldiers into the British Navy and the seizure of American ships by both France and British due to their conflicts. Younger members of Congress called "War Hawks" were eager for another conflict and war was declared on the British. The Americans fought the British in Canada attempting to drive them off the continent and the fight was fought in the Atlantic as well as in the south. The war strengthened American nationalism. -
Adams-Onis Treaty
Florida is given to the United States by Spain effectively ending their presence in the South Easter area of the United States. -
Erie Canal is Completed
The Erie Canal connecting Lake Erie to the Hudson River helped eastern cities export goods to midwest farmers and they their crops back to eastern cities. Projects and infrastructure builds like these helped to connect the United States and increase trade and commerce among the states. -
Indian Removal Act
The Native American tribes, the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chikasaw are all forced to relocate to established territories in Oklahoma and a mass exodus ensues called the Trail of Tears. -
Texas Declares its Independence
Texas declares its Independence from Mexico and later is annexed by the United States (invited to become a state) adding another sizeable portion of land to the United States. -
Panic of 1837
Through poor management by banks to keep more hard currency on hand to redeem bank notes, an increasing foreign debt to British investors, and an increase in federal deposits by Congress, a panic ensued and people all ran to their banks to redeem their paper notes for hard currency and banks were forced to close before running out of gold and silver. This caused a sever economic depression in the nation. -
The Liberty Party is Founded
This party interprets the constitution as a document that ultimately supports the abolishment of slavery. This movement was led by James G. Birney. -
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Civil War
Ultimate Conflict between a Northern Union of States and a Southern Confederacy of States ensues when the Southern Confederacy attempts to succeed from the United States.