“The issue, then, is not whether Jefferson’s policies toward Louisiana were
right or wrong but rather how he managed to implement decisions that
defied in so many ways his long-standing commitment to limitations on
executive power and the near-sacred character of republican principles. . . .
Jefferson was not simply seized by power-hungry impulses once he assumed
the presidency, since in a broad range of other policy areas he exhibited
considerable discipline over the executive branch and habitual deference
to the Congress; . . . he did not suddenly discover a pragmatic streak in
his political philosophy, . . . he clung tenaciously to Jeffersonian principles
despite massive evidence that they were at odds with reality. . . . The answer
would seem to be the special, indeed almost mystical place the West had
in his thinking. . . . For Jefferson more than any other major figure in the
revolutionary generation, the West was America’s future.”
Joseph J. Ellis, historian, American Sphinx, 1997
“The story of the Louisiana Purchase is one of strength, of Jefferson’s
adaptability and, most important, his determination to secure the territory
from France, . . . A slower or less courageous politician might have bungled
the acquisition; an overly idealistic one might have lost it by insisting on
strict constitutional scruples. . . . The philosophical Jefferson had believed
an amendment necessary. The political Jefferson, however, was not going
to allow theory to get in the way of reality. . . . [He] expanded the powers of
the executive in ways that would have likely driven Jefferson to distraction
had another man been president. Much of his political life, though, had
been devoted to the study and the wise exercise of power. He did what
had to be done to preserve the possibility of republicanism and progress.
Things were neat only in theory. And despite his love of ideas and image
of himself, Thomas Jefferson was as much a man of action as he was of
theory.”
Jon Meacham, historian, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, 2012
Using the excerpts, answer (a), (b), and (c).
(a) Briefly explain ONE major difference between Ellis’s and
Meacham’s historical interpretations of how Thomas Jefferson came
to approve the Louisiana Purchase.
(b) Briefly explain how ONE historical event or development in the
period 1787 to 1803 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts
could be used to support Ellis’s interpretation.
(c) Briefly explain how ONE historical event or development in the
period 1787 to 1803 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts
could be used to support Meacham’s interpretation.
(a) One major difference between Ellis's and Meacham's interpretations of how Thomas Jefferson came to approve the Louisiana Purchase is their focus on Jefferson's adherence to his principles. Ellis argues that Jefferson defied his long-standing commitment to limitations on executive power and republican principles in order to secure the West, indicating that Jefferson prioritized the future of America over his own ideals. On the other hand, Meacham emphasizes Jefferson's adaptability and determination to secure the territory, suggesting that Jefferson was willing to adjust his principles and expand executive powers when necessary for the greater good.
(b) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could support Ellis's interpretation is the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. During this time, France under Napoleon Bonaparte was embroiled in conflicts with other European powers. The threat of France gaining control over Louisiana and potentially using it as a base to attack American interests likely influenced Jefferson's decision to secure the territory, even if it meant expanding executive powers and defying his principles.
(c) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could support Meacham's interpretation is the growing importance of the West in the United States. During this time, there was a significant westward expansion and an increasing focus on the potential for economic growth and political power in the western territories. This shift in the national narrative and the prominence of the West may have influenced Jefferson's determination to secure the Louisiana Purchase and preserve the possibility of republicanism and progress, as Meacham suggests.
(a) One major difference between Ellis's and Meacham's historical interpretations is their emphasis on Jefferson's motivations for approving the Louisiana Purchase. Ellis argues that Jefferson's decision was driven by his deep attachment to the West and his belief in its importance for America's future. Meacham, on the other hand, focuses on Jefferson's adaptability and determination to secure the territory, suggesting that Jefferson prioritized practicality and political exigencies over his philosophical principles.
(b) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could support Ellis's interpretation is the expansion of American settler populations into the western territories. During this period, American pioneers and settlers were pushing westward, leading to increased interests in acquiring more land. This westward expansion created a sense of urgency for securing the Louisiana Territory, which could be seen as supporting Ellis's argument that Jefferson's motivations were driven by his belief in the importance of the West.
(c) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could support Meacham's interpretation is the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in France. During this time, Napoleon was expanding his empire and engaging in various military campaigns across Europe. This European context could have influenced Jefferson's perspective on the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory. The potential threat of France controlling the territory, combined with the opportunity to acquire a vast expanse of land at a reasonable price, may have led Jefferson to prioritize practical considerations over strict adherence to his philosophical principles, as Meacham suggests.
(a) One major difference between Ellis's and Meacham's historical interpretations of how Thomas Jefferson came to approve the Louisiana Purchase is their focus on the role of Jefferson's principles and ideals. Ellis emphasizes that Jefferson's long-standing commitment to limitations on executive power and republican principles were defied by his decision to approve the Louisiana Purchase. In contrast, Meacham argues that Jefferson's determination to secure the territory from France and his adaptability were the driving forces behind his decision. While Ellis sees Jefferson's decision as a departure from his principles, Meacham sees it as a necessary and pragmatic action.
(b) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could be used to support Ellis's interpretation is the debate over the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase. The Constitution did not explicitly authorize the acquisition of foreign territory, leading to concerns among some that Jefferson had overstepped his constitutional authority. This debate reflected the tension between Jefferson's long-standing commitment to limitations on executive power and the reality of the situation he faced with the potential loss of the territory to France.
(c) One historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that could be used to support Meacham's interpretation is the political climate and challenges Jefferson faced during his presidency. The period was marked by conflicts with European powers, including France and Britain, which posed threats to America's security and territorial integrity. These challenges required decisive action from Jefferson, leading him to expand the powers of the executive and prioritize pragmatism over strict adherence to theoretical principles. This context supports Meacham's argument that Jefferson's decision to approve the Louisiana Purchase was a result of his pragmatic approach to preserving republicanism and progress.
make your answers two short sentences each
(a) Ellis emphasizes Jefferson's departure from his long-standing commitment to limitations on executive power and republican principles, while Meacham focuses on his determination and adaptability in securing the territory.
(b) The debate over the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase reflects the tension between Jefferson's principles and the reality of potentially losing the territory to France.
(c) The political challenges and conflicts with European powers during Jefferson's presidency required decisive action, leading him to prioritize pragmatism over strict adherence to theoretical principles in approving the Louisiana Purchase.