Chapter 273 The United States of America
In the North American continent, there exists a prosperous colony of the British Empire, that is British America. It was founded in the early 17th century, a promising experiment in colonization, a land of vast natural resources, fertile soil, and a mix of indigenous cultures. The settlers arrived seeking religious freedom, economic opportunities, and the promise of a better life.
In those early years, British America thrived as the colonists established thriving farms, towns, and industries. However, as the years passed, a growing tension simmered beneath the surface. This was due, in large part, to the British government's attempts to assert control and extract revenue from the colonies.
One of the pivotal moments came with the passage of the Stamp Act in 1765, which required colonists to purchase a British stamp for various legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards. This tax was seen as a direct imposition of British authority and a violation of the colonists' rights to govern themselves. The rallying cry of "No taxation without representation" echoed through the colonies.
The situation worsened with the Tea Act of 1773, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, leading to the infamous Boston Tea Party. The colonists were growing increasingly frustrated with British taxation and their lack of representation in Parliament. It became clear that reconciliation with the British Crown was becoming less and less likely.
Amid this turmoil, a man named Samuel Adams emerged as a prominent figure. A passionate advocate for colonial rights, Adams played a pivotal role in organizing resistance to British oppression. He helped form the Committees of Correspondence, which allowed the colonies to communicate and coordinate their efforts against British policies. Adams and others like him began to speak openly about the need for independence from Britain.
The spark that ignited the flames of revolution came on April 19, 1775, when British troops marched to confiscate colonial weapons stored in Concord, Massachusetts. The first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Over the next few years, the colonies united under the leadership of figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. They drafted the Declaration of Independence, eloquently stating their reasons for breaking away from British rule. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration, and the United States of America was born.
The years that followed were marked by fierce battles, including the pivotal victory at Saratoga in 1777, which led to French support for the American cause. The war raged on until 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially recognizing American independence. The United States had won its freedom through determination, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the principles of liberty and self-governance.
Of course, a newly independent nation is not without its problems in its first years. The United States, freshly liberated from British rule, faced numerous challenges as it embarked on its journey as a sovereign nation. The most pressing issue was how to establish a functional government capable of uniting a diverse collection of states and ensuring the rights of its citizens.
One of the first attempts to address this challenge was the Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1777. However, this initial constitution proved to be weak and ineffective. It created a central government with limited powers, unable to raise revenue, maintain a standing army, or regulate commerce effectively. The result was economic instability, disputes among the states, and a sense of vulnerability on the international stage.
As a result of these problems, a group of delegates from the various states convened in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft a new constitution. This Constitutional Convention presided over by George Washington, led to the creation of the United States Constitution, a document that would become the bedrock of the American government. It established a system of checks and balances among three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—and outlined the rights and responsibilities of both the federal and state governments.
From there, an economic boom in the country. The improved version of the steam engine developed by Napoleon Bonaparte revolutionized commerce in the United States. Steam locomotives, automated and mechanized factories, agriculture, and manufacturing experienced a period of unprecedented growth and innovation. Railroads crisscrossed the nation, connecting cities, and facilitating the movement of goods and people on an unprecedented scale.
While Europe was tearing itself apart from the First and Second Coalition, the United States focused on itself.
Until—France won the First and Second Coalition, and with it, gained new territories, specifically British North America and Louisiana. The United States found itself again to the new threat of European powers.
***
The year was 1801, October 5th.
The United States of America currently has 16 16 states, most of which are situated in the eastern part of the continent. Thomas Jefferson, having been elected as the third President of the United States, was about to face a huge challenge.
In the White House Yellow Oval Room, Thomas Jefferson was having his breakfast—a simple meal of tea, bread, and butter. His tall, lean figure was hunched over the small table, simultaneously perusing a stack of papers, his piercing blue eyes focused intently on the documents before him.
There was so much to do. First on his agenda was the national debt, which stood at a whopping 89 million dollars. Secondly, Jefferson's thoughts turned to the issue of the United States having a weak military, heavily reliant on foreign assistance. While the nation had won its independence through sheer determination during the Revolutionary War, it lacked the military strength needed to defend itself in the face of new threats.
Suddenly—there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Thomas Jefferson called out, looking up from his papers. The door to the Yellow Oval Room opened, and in walked James Madison, his trusted Secretary of State.
"Good morning, Mr. President," Madison greeted as he entered. He glanced at the stack of papers and the serious expression on Jefferson's face. "I see you're already hard at work."
Jefferson nodded, setting aside the documents for a moment. "Indeed, James. There's much to address, and we can't afford to delay."
"Well, there is something that I'd like to add to your work, Mr. President. The Congress's concern towards the Republic of France is growing. With them acquiring British North America from the United Kingdom and Louisiana from the Spanish, our country found itself in a precarious situation," Madison said.
"I am aware of it, Madison. France is seeking to reestablish its control over the territories that they lost in the Seven Years War."
"Most of the treaties that we signed with the Spanish to secure shipping in the Mississippi River were nulled," Madison continued, his voice grave. "With France in control of the Louisiana territory, we have virtually lost our access to the Mississippi River and the crucial port of New Orleans. There are also words from France that Napoleon had struck a deal with Toussant Louvateure, promoting the status of Saint-Domingue into dominion and sending troops there. It's without a doubt that the French are going to send troops to Louisiana to reassert their control over it. The Federalists see this as a significant threat to our national security."
"Our country is not ready for another major war, Madison. What we can do is diplomacy. I'm planning on purchasing the territory of New Orleans from France."
"Negotiating with France for New Orleans would be a wise step. It could help secure our access to the Mississippi River and protect our economic interests. But who are you going to send?"
"James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston. I already wrote a letter to them and are leaving for France next week."
"But if the French rejected the offer? What should we do?" Madison asked.
Jefferson was left speechless after hearing that question. The answer is obvious, but it's easier said than done, and would possibly cause the dissolution of the country. He can't allow that to happen.
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