thomas jefferson

            
             Thomas Jefferson supported the territorial expansion of the U., for the progress and successful domination of North America. Thomas Jefferson held firmly to the belief that this would occur naturally, with the absence of governmental interference, resembling the laws of supply and demand. The U.S., he believed would become a nation of yeoman farmers only by expanding and utilizing the vast expanse west.
             Thomas Jefferson strongly believed that the Constitution of the United States of America should be strictly interpreted. With this strict interpretation the government would have limited powers in purchasing land. In 1803 Thomas Jefferson deviated from those beliefs in support of territorial expansion. Thomas Jefferson purchased the land between the Mississippi River, extending to the Rocky Mountains. The Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the U.S.
             Thomas Jefferson, in support of expansion, sent out an expeditionary team to explore the west soon after. In 1804 Lewis and Clark traveled the vast unexplored territory, reaching the Pacific in 1806. The purpose of this expedition being to document the conditions of the land and to report the Native American presence that may prohibit the expansion, of the United States. Thomas Jefferson felt that expansion would alleviate the burdens associated with concentrated populations like poverty and homelessness. .
             Thomas Jefferson helped to negotiated over 53 land cession treaties with Indians. These land cessions were in direct support of advancing settlers. The government later followed in the enterprising spirit of exploration and expeditions would continue west of the Mississippi River. These expeditions yielded profitable results and undreamed of resources that promoted continual progression.
             Southerners viewed the expansion as an opportunity to expand the institution of slavery and the economic prosperity of cotton and sugar cultivation. National leaders were interested in maintaining a balance of power and this conflict of interest led to the Missouri Crisis.