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6. Compare the expansionist foreign policies of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James K. Polk. To what extent did their policies strengthen the United States?

1. President Thomas Jefferson

a. Anti-Federalist: usually weary of American expansionism

b. Louisiana Purchase

i. After Spain gave New Orleans to the French, Jefferson sent Monroe to France to buy the strategic land for $2 million

ii. France about to engage in war in Europe and dealing with a slave revolt in Haiti, offered to sell the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million and Jefferson accepted, even though he wasn't sure that the Constitution allowed for it

iii. Congress quickly approved the treaty

iv. Strengthened the United States because gave them complete control over the strategically crucial Mississippi River

c. Louis and Clark

i. Sent expedition to explore territory west

ii. Encountered many new animals, plants, and Indian tribes

iii. Strengthened the United States in that the West was no longer completely un-chartered territory, and knowledge was deepened after the countless scientific discoveries

2. President James K. Polk

a. Democrat who favored vast expansion at a rapid rate

b. Rallied for the immediate annexation of Texas, which Tyler accomplished right before Polk took office

c. Oregon Territory

i. Acquired from a treaty with Great Britain made peacefully in 1846

ii. Established current northern border for the region

iii. Strengthened America