Introduction
Strengthening territorial integrity and ensuring the security of its borders has always been one of the US priorities in both domestic and foreign policies. Nevertheless, the country’s history knows many examples when, due to insurmountable circumstances, individual regions were controlled by other states. In addition, there were disputes within the country itself, and even on the modern American flag, one can find evidence of how statehood was formed in the United States. 13 independent states and the subsequent unification of all 50 states show how the political mood changed. A number of historical events have largely influenced the modern appearance of the United States, and among them, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the development and implementation of the country’s Constitution, and other significant stages can be distinguished. This work is aimed at assessing the themes of individual primary sources and comparing the views of influential American personalities on geopolitical, social, and other aspects. The selected resources are united by the historical period (18th-19th centuries) and the general context of ideas. The protection of territorial integrity from external threats is the key topic connecting the sources considered.
Main Connections
The pursuit of the country’s interests in accordance with the federal principle of strengthening its unity is the context that connects the selected primary sources. In his inaugural address in 1805, Thomas Jefferson emphasizes the following:
I know that the acquisition of Louisiana has been disapproved by some, from a candid apprehension that the enlargement of our territory would endanger its union. But who can limit the extent to which the federative principle may operate effectively? The larger our association, the less will it be shaken by local passions. (Thomas Jefferson Second Inaugural Address)
Louisiana, being a French territory, was located on the North American continent. The proximity of American states to the region that was part of the other country divided the United States geographically and psychologically. The organization of transport networks, the conduct of trade relations within states, as well as the maintenance of the authority of the country were complicated. Although Jefferson acknowledged that the return of this territory was accompanied by the potential risks of secession and deterioration of relations with the allies, he was confident in the correctness of this move. Other resources involved also mention the ambiguity of such a neighborhood. In his letter to George Washington, Snyder also discusses the French. He states as follows: “even in this small Place the French-Faction is very numerous – their Expressions are like those of Bloody-Lutetia [Lutetia Parisiorum, or Paris]: their Sentiments in exact Unison with those of the Jacobine Club” (To George Washington from G. W. Snyder). Thus, an attempt to address the problem of territorial integrity by pursuing the country’s interests and following the federal principle of strengthening unity is a connecting link in the resources involved.
The authority of the highest legislative bodies and state documents is emphasized in all the sources used, which also connects them with one another. According to the US Constitution, “the Congress shall have power … to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water” (The Constitution of the United States). In addition, it says as follows:
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. (The Constitution of the United States)
This document emphasizes the protection that the state can provide to each of its territorial units, regardless of geographic location. This principle is in line with federal interests and links the text of the Constitution to those provisions highlighted by Thomas Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson Second Inaugural Address). Moreover, the functions of the authorities imply creating conditions for the provision of the necessary assistance to the controlled lands for protection from external threats. The relevant norms, spelled out in the Constitution, guarantee support for the states of the country and are unbreakable rules to follow. Therefore, when taking into account this text, the authority of the legislative bodies is undeniable, and the functions of the governing apparatus are emphasized in each of the resources involved.
Ensuring the country’s security from external threats, regardless of the type of intervention, be it an attempted coup d’etat or a direct military invasion, is another topic that ties together the considered resources. The article from “The New Your Times,” dated 1898, says as follows: “a Spanish paper predicts that there will be war between the two countries in April” (The Maine Disaster). This statement concerns the events related to the attack on the American ship in the harbor of Cuba. Nevertheless, this statement can be seen as an example of yellow journalism, when, in an attempt to increase newspaper sales, local publishers did not hesitate to make loud statements. The United States was forced to respond to this topic, which was a prerequisite for protecting citizens, including from false or provocative data. According to the article, “no evidence had come to the department showing the disaster had been caused by design” (The Maine Disaster). Thus, the participation of the highest authorities considered in all the sources utilized implies not only providing defensive services to the countries’ citizens but also protecting them against disinformation aimed at disrupting state stability.
Involved Resources’ Summary
The resources involved are valuable sources that interpret the political environment in the United States in the 1700s and 1800s and provide relevant legislative and social initiatives and regulations. The Constitution offers the basic principles of the structure of American society, including the functions of the highest governing bodies in the country (The Constitution of the United States). The article from “The New Your Times” describes a tense media situation and highlights the relevance of engaging the country’s authorities to protect citizens from disinformation (The Maine Disaster). Thomas Jefferson’s speech is a valuable resource that introduces one of the Founding Fathers’ key views and outlines his position on US independence, territorial integrity, and the importance of states unification (Thomas Jefferson Second Inaugural Address). Finally, the letter from Snyder to Washington reflects the Americans’ interest in a strong leader and emphasizes the need for the states’ integration to get rid of external influences (To George Washington from G. W. Snyder). All these sources carry crucial ideas, explain how statehood was built during the period of gaining independence by the United States, and describe the socio-political situation of the era under consideration.
Conclusion
The analysis of the resources considered shows that they are all united by the theme of territorial integration, which is essential to adhere to counter external threats and build statehood. The federal principle of strengthening US unity is also an aspect discussed in these sources. The responsibility and authority of the highest legislative bodies and official documents in the context of ensuring the security of the country and its citizens are also touched upon in the works reviewed. Ensuring the state’s independence and preventing threats from aggressive adversaries are mentioned in these resources as significant initiatives at the national level. As a result, all the resources complement the general idea of the importance of the territorial integrity and security of the United States as the crucial aspects of an independent state.
Works Cited
“The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription.” National Archives, Web.
“The Maine Disaster.” The New York Times, 1898, Web.
“Thomas Jefferson Second Inaugural Address.” The Avalon Project, Web.
“To George Washington from G. W. Snyder, 1798.” Founders Online, Web.