Presidential_Choices

Christian Luk Ms. Mangiero AP US History 11/13/10 Decision Making Throughout American history, Governments have always been responsible for the nation’s foreign and domestic decisions. Presidents See to it that the decisions made are what they believe is in the best interest of the nation. Some of these decisions did indeed benefit the country, and although the leaders did not plan for it to happen, some have failed to either protect the country’s rights or jeopardize the nation’s economic growth. Washington and Jefferson are the founding fathers to our nation. Both want to make the United States a better place; however, they had different means to go about it. For example, Washington created a neutral stand point in the United States during the French Revolution by issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality. And Jefferson made the decision to help develops America by the purchase of Louisiana In 1789, George Washington took an oath that would transform him from being not only a revolutionary hero, but also the first president of the United States. George Washington commanded the impression that he had great power, but as we all know great power comes with great responsibility and the pressure he had would surely reflect this. Washington knew that becoming the president would mean that he had to lead the country forward in as many ways as possible. Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality act; he thought that the risk of taking sides does not outshine the definite fiscal problems that the United States is faced with. Washington felt that it was his full responsibility to regain the strength of the nation and bring the country out of debt. Washington knew that any war would turn the nation to lose more money. With Washington’s decision, he knew that this decision would be the best for the nation, but just because a decision is better than the other one does not mean that it was a popular decision. As the nation’s different beliefs split the country, many thought that independence with Great Britain was highly recommended while others thought Great Britain was our mother country and that we should still trade with her. The Proclamation of Neutrality guaranteed the nation’s security and health. Washington’s decision guaranteed that the debts between France would be cleared faster. As time passed the benefits of being neutral became more apparent. But just as the United States were starting to get the feel of being on their own, British troops impressed American sailors at sea. Boats were invaded; sailors were kidnapped and were forced to serve in the British army. This made it seem like America was being slapped around by the foreign countries. At this time America closed ports and trade between France and Britain causing and economic downfall for the nation. As Washington’s term soon ended at this time, people around the nation remember him as a model for . Two Presidents after Washington’s term ended, another leader soon stepped into the role of president. Jefferson’s first act to stabilize strength of the nation was the purchasing of the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. Napoleon was the French dictator eager to sell the extra land for money to finance his own revolution. However, the constitution does not allow for Jefferson to buy more land, so instead Jefferson used the elastic clause. His argument was that if congress had the power to negotiate treats then congress should have the power to decide whether or not to buy the land. With an offer that Jefferson couldn’t put down, Napoleon offered Louisiana for only 15 million dollars; this was an opportunity of a life time. As Jefferson’s support was raising numbers, the purchase of the Louisiana Territory helped gain and impact the nation. With no choice of using the elastic clause to purchase Louisiana, Louisiana helped guarantee the security of America. Showing the model and wise role of Jefferson. Jefferson’s belief that a strong government ruled by one person isn’t necessary. But after contemplating with congress, using the elastic clause didn’t really expand his powers. Jefferson was so popular in his decisions that we still mention it during AP US History. Not only did Louisiana double the size of America, it also gave knowledge about what was west of the states. But of course war was unavoidable; the War of 1812 between Britain divided the country once again. As the argument between neutrality occurred, neutrality was not the case. The victory of the nation was heard all over the world. Earning the nation’s true identity, showing that once a child grows it could hold its ground and be independent. The purchase of Louisiana by President Jefferson was the best decision that he could’ve made. Helping the nation expand more ground and help influence our nation’s stability today. Throughout American history the president is who we look up to in times of crisis. Both Presidents Washington and Jefferson served the country as fairly as possible. Although their decisions created some hardships, both of them brought about peace and stability.