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Northwest Territory Research Paper

573 Words3 Pages

The Northwest territory was slowly becoming a part of America. Many Americans already lived in the territory and the idea of a Northwest passage had not been forgotten. Annexing the Northwest territory would allow for America to expand. not only for people, but also for farms. Presidents like Thomas Jefferson strongly encouraged the expansion of agriculture. There was more to consider in adding a huge swath of land to a country than just the profits. Three things were necessary to address in attempting to open the Northwest territory: Legislation for the new land, Natives Americans living in the land, and how to Americanize the new land.

Before anything else, the new territory would need laws to protect and govern the people. The laws for this territory are called the Northwest Ordinance. It secured basic rights for the Americans living in the territory, but it has some clauses that are greatly important. The most important law was that there were to be no slaves in the new territory. Any people living in the Northwest territory had to be free people. Religion is also encouraged and recommends using the Bible in teaching. Ironically, it declares that no Indian territory shall be seized. Americans thought they …show more content…

This territory started out rough with two failed military expeditions. Still the territory became the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Diving out the Indians made the territory safer, but it set a precedent that would be followed later when dealing with the Southeastern tribes. Andrew Jackson would use a similar tactic in what is known as the Cherokee Trail of Tears. The Northwest territory Indians attacked Americans, so it is not quite the same thing, however, it is an easy jump from actively defending your country to taking someone

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