Description
Book SynopsisBrings together noted scholars in American history, constitutional law, and political science to examine the role that the Louisiana Purchase played in shaping both the expansionist policies of the 19th century and critical interpretations of the Constitution.
Trade ReviewGiven the expansive reach of this sturdy collection, historians in many fields will surely find gold somewhere within its boundaries. * Journal of American History *
A thought-provoking book. -- Raymond D. Screws, University of Arkansas at Little Rock * Great Plains Quarterly *
The Louisiana Purchase marked the true beginning of the American expansion into Thomas Jefferson's 'Empire of Liberty.' This fascinating collection explores how the American urge to reach outward, first across the continent and then across the globe, has remade America itself, often in ways that were unforeseen and unwelcome. The story of nineteenth-century American expansion, beginning with Louisiana and ending with Puerto Rico, is well worth considering in an era of globalization and global conflicts at the opening of the twenty-first century. -- Keith E. Whittington, Princeton University
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The First "Incorporation" Debate Chapter 2: "The Strongest Government on Earth": Jefferson's Republicanism, the Expansion of the Union, and the New Nation's Destiny Chapter 3: The Louisiana Purchase and the Coming of the Civil War Chapter 4: Settling the West: The Annexation of Texas, the Louisiana Purchase, and Bush v. Gore Chapter 5: Texas Chapter 6: The Golden Death of Jefferson's Dream: California and the Sectional Crisis Chapter 7: A Promise of Expansion Chapter 8: Puerto Rico's Political Status: The Long-Term Effects of American Expansionist Discourse Chapter 9: The Constitution and Deconstitution of the United States Chapter 10: Modes of Rule in America's Overseas Empire: The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Samoa Chapter 11: Empires External and Internal: Territories, Government Lands, and Federalism in the United States
