Question

In a well-structured essay, describe three events in the early history of the United States (up to Reconstruction) that you believe most affected the development of the nation. State and briefly describe each event and provide evidence and support to how it affected the development of the nation.

Answer 1

The Following is a Rough Template for your Essay:

Explanation:

Event 1: The Ratification of the Constituion

- Establishes the fundamental basis for the workings of the US government to the present day

- Clearly establishes the need for and desire to establish and maintain a powerful executive and legislature, limits the powers of the states to an extent

- Provides the basis for the minting of national currency (compared to the state and bank currency used previously), and later allows for national fiat currency.

- Entrenches the issue of slavery for the next century

Event 2: The Louisiana Purchase

- Vastly expands US territory to the West

- Sets the foundation for Manifest Destiny

- Allows for the Mexican-American War and continued expansion

- The issue of slave vs. free states begins to threaten the nation

- Allows for the expulsion of Eastern Woodlands tribes under the Jackson administration

Event 3: The Civil War

- Finally addresses the issue of slavery

- Greatly increases the power of the Executive

- Divides the US socioeconomic landscape for the next few decades.

This is enough for you to expand upon in a full essay