Background Information
When Abraham Lincoln was president he encountered a political crisis caused by an argument between the Union and Confederate states over the river border between them. Although most of the border between the Union and Confederate states ran along the Mississippi River, the Confederate state of Tennessee called for an artificial boundary line to be drawn. This angered Abraham Lincoln, who saw the river as a part of the Union and declared it the “Western boundary of the United States.” He is famously known for declaring “This river, then, shall be our boundary.”
Relevant Data
In order to settle the debate between the Union and Confederate states, Abraham Lincoln attempted to draw a line along the Mississippi River so as to clearly separate the two sides. In order to do this, he called for the application of the 1787 Northwest Ordnance which was a law that was used to define the Western border of the United States. The Ordnance defined the Mississippi River as the western boundary of the United States.
Perspectives From Experts
Experts on Abraham Lincoln suggest that he had an immense respect for the power of the Mississippi River and saw it as a symbol of unity for the United States. He viewed it as an important part of the country’s history and something that could bring the Union and Confederate states closer together. Additionally, he recognised that the river was a valuable resource which could be leveraged for economic development and expansion. Scholars argue that it was for this reason that he declared the Mississippi River the western boundary of the United States.
Adding Own Insights and Analysis
When considering why Abraham Lincoln chose to call the Mississippi River the “Western boundary of the United States”, it is important to consider his broader approach to the Civil War. Lincoln believed that the best way to reunify the nation was to focus on the common ground that the two sides shared, rather than the differences. In this sense, the Mississippi River served as a bridge between the Union and Confederate states. Its geographical importance marked it as an integral part of the wealth and prosperity of the United States, while also signifying its symbolic power as a national treasure and a source of unification.
Educating and Engaging the Reader
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the United States’ history, culture, and economy. It is a vital resource for transportation and trade, and was used by Native American tribes before Europeans colonised the continent. Throughout history, the river has been used for exploration and trade, and in recent times it has also been used for recreation and tourism. As such, it is easy to understand why Abraham Lincoln would have referred to it as the “Western boundary of the United States.”
Advanced Grammatical Structures
Ironically, despite the Mississippi River being an important part of the United States’ history, it was a source of conflict during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. In order to settle the dispute between the Union and Confederate states, Lincoln viewed the river as an important asset which could not be divided. Therefore, he declared that it would form the “Western boundary of the United States”. This decision was made in order to promote unity and strength, and to symbolise the power of the United States.
Emotional Triggers
By calling the Mississippi River the “Western boundary of the United States”, Abraham Lincoln demonstrated an immense respect for the river and its history. He viewed it not just as a physical boundary for two opposing sides, but also as a symbol of a unified nation. As such, it was an apt decision that resonates still today. It is a reminder of the shared heritage between the Union and Confederate states, and of the importance of the Mississippi River to the United States.
Active Voice
Abraham Lincoln recognised the value of the Mississippi River to the United States. He saw it as a symbol of unity and an essential resource for trade, transportation and national prosperity. Therefore, he declared that it would form the “Western boundary of the United States”. His decision ensured the unifying power of the Mississippi River would be preserved, and thus has had a lasting impact on the nation.
Expansion on the Topic – Part 1
The Impact of Abraham Lincoln’s Decision
Abraham Lincoln’s decision to call the Mississippi River the “Western boundary of the United States” impacted the Union and Confederate states in a number of ways. It served as a reminder that despite their differences, the two sides were inextricably bound by a shared history. Additionally, it re-affirmed the importance of the river as a vital resource and trading route. Moreover, the decision had a symbolic significance, demonstrating Abraham Lincoln’s commitment to the unity of the United States.
Economic Development
The Mississippi River has long been an important asset for economic development in the United States. The river has been used as a transportation and trade route, and has provided numerous forms of employment throughout the nation’s history. Additionally, its natural beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world, making it a popular destination for recreation and leisure.
A Potent Symbol of Unity
The Mississippi River has become a potent symbol of unity for the United States. It has been used to connect communities, transport goods, and facilitate trade. In addition, it has become a source of inspiration for writers, artists, and musicians. As such, the river has become an integral part of the country’s heritage and culture, and a symbol of its shared history.
National Significance
Given its importance in the history of the United States, it is unsurprising that Abraham Lincoln referred to the Mississippi River as the “Western boundary of the United States”. The river’s national significance is undeniable, serving as an economic lifeline and a source of inspiration for generations of Americans. By declaring the river the boundary between the Union and Confederate states, Abraham Lincoln both recognised and sought to cement its prominence in the nation’s identity.
Expansion on the Topic – Part 2
The Debate Over the Border Between the Union and Confederate States
When Abraham Lincoln was president he encountered a political crisis surrounding the Union and Confederate states’ border. Although the border mostly ran along the Mississippi River, the Confederate state of Tennessee called for an artificial boundary line to be drawn. This infuriated Abraham Lincoln who saw the river as a part of the Union and declared it the “Western boundary of the United States.”
Applying the 1787 Northwest Ordnance
In order to resolve the disagreement, Abraham Lincoln invoked the 1787 Northwest Ordnance. This law served to define the western border of the United States, and Abraham Lincoln used it to draw a line along the Mississippi River in order to clearly separate the Union and Confederate states. As a result of this action, the Mississippi River became the western boundary of the United States.
Unifying Power of the Mississippi River
Abraham Lincoln viewed the Mississippi River as a symbol of unity for the United States. He recognised it as a valuable asset for economic prosperity and development, but also saw it as a source of unification for two sides that were in conflict. By calling the river the “Western boundary of the United States”, Abraham Lincoln was indicating his commitment to the unifying power of the Mississippi River.
Continuing Legacy
Today, Abraham Lincoln’s decision to refer to the Mississippi River as the “Western boundary of the United States” continues to resonate. The river is still a source of inspiration, a symbol of shared culture and a reminder of the history that binds the Union and Confederate states together. As such, it is clear that Abraham Lincoln was wise to declare the Mississippi River the boundary between the two sides.
