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......
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