Essay On What Was The Role Of The Early Presidents Dbq

1654 Words7 Pages

After America declared its independence from Great Britain, the new nation went through various transitions in the quest to establish a new government. In addition, after many changes and attempts to do this, the United States Constitution was finally ratified leading to the commence of the American experiment. Furthermore, during this time period many events were occurring which had a significant impact on the U.S and which would leave an everlasting legacy behind. For instance, during these events the President had a great role in the growth of the nation. Therefore, it was during these events that the President had to act in and make choices for the best interest of the new nation. However, today not everyone agrees that the actions of the …show more content…

For instance, this people believe that the actions of the early Presidents served to benefit the nation in ways that left a profound insignia on the development of the nation. In addition, this can be seen when President Thomas Jefferson decided to acquire more land for the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. According to Document 1, by Joseph Harris, it states "Charles A. Cerami, author of Jefferson's Great Gamble, agrees. "If we had not made this purchase, it would have pinched off the possibility of our becoming a continental power," he says. "That, in turn, would have meant our ideas on freedom and democracy would have carried less weight with the rest of the world. This was the key to or international influence." This shows how the actions of the early Presidents had a positive outcome on the nation because as seen with President Thomas Jefferson, his contribution to help the nation through the Louisiana Purchase was very beneficial. Moreover, another example of how the actions of the early Presidents had a positive outcome on the nation can be seen when President James Monroe gave his annual speech to Congress in which he discussed the American policy regarding the newly independent nations in Latin America which became known as the Monroe Doctrine. For instance, according to Document 3, it states "It is …show more content…

For instance, this people believe that some of the early Presidents actually abused their power and violated their rights. According to Document 2, it states "The Sedition Act was an attempt to silence Republican newspapers and their attackers on Federalists. Editors and publishers were fined and jailed for publishing "false, scandalous and malicious" descriptions of government actions and officials. The Sedition Act was a serious challenge to the First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and freedom of speech." This shows how the actions of the early Presidents, in this case, John Adams, had a negative impact on the people. However, later on, when Thomas Jefferson becomes President he abolishes the Alien and Sedition Acts. In addition, according to Document 4, it states "I informed the Indians inhabiting parts of Georgia and Alabama that their attempt to establish an independent government would not be allowed by the Executive of the U.S, and advised to emigrate beyond the Mississippi..." This shows how the early Presidents didn't have a positive outcome on the people since President Andrew Jackson decided to move the Native Americans out of their homelands which wasn't fair because in a way they were still people of the United States. However, he was trying to protect Native Americans from

Open Document