Thirteen Colonies Research Paper

The United States was not always the great nation it is today. America was formed throughout history. This nation once was a newly independent thirteen colonies. There are many events that transformed the thirteen colonies, such as economic improvements, westward expansion, and the war of 1812. To begin, there were a few economic improvements that occurred. First, was Alexander Hamilton’s Bank of the United States. Hamilton wanted to pay off the nation’s debt from the Revolutionary War. Hamilton’s Bank was such a success, that branch offices formed in 1805. Hamilton wanted the bank to control credit and make loans to the government. Next, was Henry Clay’s “American system”. “Clay’s “American system” had three parts to it: a tariff to promote and protect American industry, a national bank to foster commerce, and federal subsidies for roads, canals, etc.”, (United States Senate). Henry Clay’s system was good for …show more content…
First off, is the Louisiana Purchase. Spain gave the Louisiana territory to France, this bothered Jefferson because America needed the Mississippi River and New Orleans for commerce. James Monroe was sent by Jefferson to buy New Orleans and West Florida in 1802. Napoleon made an offer of $15 million and the agreement was signed in 1803. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States. Then came the Mexican American War, this war started because of James Polk and the manifest destiny. The Manifest destiny was the divine right to expand the United States territory. This started the war because Polk wanted California and New Mexico. Another cause of the Mexican American War was Texas becoming independent from Mexico.What ended this war was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, this treaty made the Rio Grande River the border, Mexico turned over California and New Mexico for $15 million, and the United States assumed $3.25 million of Mexico’s debt.Therefore, the United States expanded its territory