Territorial Acquisitions

Territorial acquisitions helped the United States by strengthening its exports and economy but hurt the country by allowing significant political rifts. The agreement for Oregon Country greatly helped the United States. The fishing industry prospered for the profit of Americans and there was a Pacific Ocean coast available for transportation and ports. This connected America to the East via the far Western coast of North America as well as laying the foundation for support and stability for further territorial acquisitions. The Florida Purchase, even though somewhat a misnomer, was beneficial to the United States by connecting and solidifying the entire East Coast. This also greased the skids for trade with Latin America as the shipping voyage was shorter from Florida to South America than from Georgia or even the Northern ports. However, some territorial acquisitions were not nearly as beneficial. The dispute with Mexico over the Texan land was catastrophic. Not only did it result in battles with Mexico, which cost many American lives, it also created unwanted political barriers and rifts. Many Texans wanted to establish an independent state which was a point of contention for some politicians but more importantly the Texas Annexation created worries over the perpetuation of slavery. The North thought that Texas was just another ground for the continuation of evil but the South saw this as their right under the Missouri Compromise.