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Louisiana Purchase
In the best land deal in history, the US bought the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. It cost $15 million, which was only 4 cents per acre. It doubled the US size, adding over 800,000 square miles to the US. It also includes parts of what are now 17 states. This deal was very important to the US because it allowed us to continue to expand westward. -
Corps of Discovery Expedition
In a journey that was like going to the moon, Lewis and Clark led the Corps of Discovery westward starting in 1804. They were looking for a waterway to the Pacific Ocean for trading. They picked up Sacagewea on the journey, and she helped as a guide, peacemaker, and a food finder. The entire journey took two years to complete. If not for the Corps of Discovery Expedition the US wouldn't have found what was really out west. -
War of 1812
The Revolutionary War part II, the US was at war with Britian again in the War of 1812. There was bad communication in this war, like when the wars bloodiest battle happened 15 days after it ended. Also, Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem during this war. Because we were able to tie with the British, it gave the US a new sense of national pride. Because of the War of 1812, the US gained aspects to it that make it the country it is today. -
Florida Territory
Going against government orders Andrew Jackson invaded the Florida Territory, whcih turned out to be a good thing. Originally we went down there to stop Seminole raiders. But while there Jackson overthrew the Spanish governer and took over their forts. In the end we signed the Adams-Onis Treaty which gave the US Florida for $15 million. If not for those Seminoles the US might not have Florida today. -
The Monroe Doctrine
In a bold statement James Monroe published the Monroe Doctorine which basically told Europe to stay out of our house. It said that the US would stay out of European affairs. Also it stated that the US would recognize any existing colonies in the Americas. Also any new colonization attempts in the Americas would be considered hostile actions. With this statement America told Europe stay off our continent and we will stay off of yours. -
Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears
One of the most horrible things in American History, the Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears did awful things to native americans. The five tribes that were moved in this were the Cherokee, Creek, Chicasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole. The act was signed by the villianous president Andrew Jackson. Because they were forced to move in the middle of winter many indians died on this journey. This act forever changed the relationship between the US and indians because of the horrible things it did. -
Texas
As one of the larger states in the US Texas has a pretty interesting history. Texas was an independent country for 9 years after winning its freedom from Mexico. For a short time Texas wasn't wanted by the US because of fears that Mexico would go to war for Texas. Sam Houston was an important part of Texas history, because he was their president and has a city named after him. Despite being its own country for 9 years, Texas is now an important part of the US and its history. -
Mexican American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The US was fighting again, but this time it was with Mexico, and winning this war would give the US a big reward. The war was called the Mexican American War and was between the US and Mexico. The US won the war and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed just to be sure. The treaty gave the US California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas while we paid Mexico $15 million for all that land. The US gained major land from this war, which made this war a success for the US. -
Oregon Territory
The Oregon Territory almost caused another war between the US and Britian, if not for a compromise. The Oregon Territory was being argued over by America and Britian. James K. Polk came up with the slogan 54'40 or fight which meant the US would fight for that boundary. They ended up agreeing on a boundary being drawn at the 49th parallel and that is the boundary used today. If not for the compromise the US would have gone to war for this territory, and our country might not be like it is today.
