Theories of Jefferson Regarding Westward Expansion - Essay Example

            Without question, Thomas Jefferson had made it clear that he wanted to settle the West. How he established a policy to expand westward was to first slash the minimum amount of land that a farmer had to purchase. Originally a farmer had to purchase 640 acres, by 1832 a farmer only had to purchase 40 acres and the price per acre was slashed substantially. This made a strong financial incentive for settlers to steadily move west. In regards to how Jefferson viewed the West as being crucial to the well-being of the republic, it is the case that he believed that scores of small-scale farmers would be active participants in American democracy. These people would help contribute to both the economic health of the country but also contribute to democratic health of the American Republic.

#2-A) In regard to the first statement I am inclined to agree overall. Whilst there may have been an original plan to settle the West it may also be the case that Jefferson’s plan had been altered over time. With British colonial expansion in the Pacific North West, it may be the case that Westward settlement would have been seen as a defensive expansion. There was a significant increase in population across the Eastern seaboard and expansion would be a natural means to alleviate these pressures. Through the purchase of Louisiana from the French, it would have likely been easier to settle cities across the Mississippi and allowed for much easier transportation of goods and people (and by extension aid in settlement).

#2-B) In regards to what the central problem of the Articles of Confederation was and how the delegates to the Philadelphia Convention addressed them? There were indeed several problems. Firstly it is the case that nine out of thirteen states had to agree for a bill to become law, and any article changes needed all thirteen states to agree. The overwhelming number of parties made it very difficult for a unanimous agreement to be made. Moreover, there was no central government so independent states had to enforce laws themselves so strong disagreements came about over discrepancies between how laws were interpreted and enforced. As such it became the case that the founding fathers realized that a central government needed to be stronger to help build a better nation. In the end, the Articles of Confederation were abandoned once the thirteen states ratified the new constitution.