Early Colonial Settlements and the Control of the Mississippi River
Many countries have had a hand in the control of the Mississippi River since its early discovery by Europeans. The first to arrive were Spaniards, in the 1500’s, who established several settlements in the region. These settlements soon spread North and formed the core of the French colony of Louisiana. The saga of control and discovery continued with French explorers La Salle, Tonti and Robert Cavelier, who explored the river and its tributaries, naming them in honor of the French King Louis XIV. Expansion included Bayou St. John and the Mississippi River valley, which was ceded to France in 1763.
Meanwhile, the British ruled other parts of the river. The British had taken control of the eastern bank of the Mississippi after the Seven Years’ War and held it until 1783, when the Treaty of Paris finally established the new United States of America. Louisiana eventually passed back to France after the Napoleonic Wars, but the land remained under French control until Spain, who had held land bordering Mississippi River, sold the territory to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
After the Louisiana Purchase, the United States controlled the entire Mississippi River for the first time and embarked on the development of the Mississippi River steamboat industry. Steamboats were ideal for traveling, shipping and trading along the river, and this effectively attracted many settlers, companies and entrepreneurs who sought to gain from the river’s natural resources. At the same time, the use of the river also became a source of competition between countries.
The United States achieved full control of the Mississippi River by purchasing the lands of its tributaries, such as the Ohio, Missouri and Arkansas rivers, which eventually became part of their vast westward expansion. Eventually, the US Navy established the Mississippi squadron, a fleet that patrolled the river and kept potential enemies at bay, thus maintaining US control of the river.
In addition to US control, the river had long been a strategic transportation route connecting the North and the South. During the American Civil War (1861-65), this was even more evident, as the US military used the river to deploy soldiers in both directions of the conflict. As an example, Union forces controlled the Mississippi for a large part of the war, indirectly helping them to win the fight against the Confederacy.
The United States’ military presence helped keep control of the Mississippi River in the hands of the US, initially up until World War I, when Germany tried to sever the United States from its European allies. After the war, the US Military led an increased effort to protect the river from any foreign threats, thus asserting their control.
Today, the United States remains in control of the Mississippi River, with a number of projects that include shipping channels, dams, levies, ports, locks and other infrastructure that sustain the river’s navigation. Moreover, the US Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of maintaining and protecting the riverbed, ensuring that its waters are safe, and that they remain suitable for navigation and commercial purposes.
Political and Economic Impact of US Control of the Mississippi River
US control of the Mississippi River not only ensured that navigation and trade on the river ran smoothly, it also had a lasting political and economic impact on the American landscape. US control served to unite a vast and diverse population of people, who could now easily travel, trade, and expand the country’s boundaries.
Politically, US control of the Mississippi River further entrenched the country’s democracy and ensured the nation’s defense against foreign threats. At the same time, control of the river also helped to bring about economic development, as the river served as a transit point for goods and services, which in turn increased economic activity in the region.
Today, US control of the Mississippi River is still a key factor in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The river remains one of the most important navigational routes in the United States, providing the shortest shipping route between the East and West Coasts, and has played an integral role in connecting major cities such as Minneapolis, New Orleans and St. Louis. Moreover, the river serves as an essential resource for agricultural production, providing a reliable and safe source of water to countless farmers and communities across the nation.
Indeed, US control of the Mississippi River has been a blessing to the people of the United States. The river provides a safe and viable route of commerce and transport, brings a sense of unity to its inhabitants, and helps to promote economic growth and development.
Environmental Implications of US Control of the Mississippi River
The US control of the Mississippi River has had a lasting impact on the environment, too. The river and its tributaries are key sources of water for plants and animals, who rely on the river for sustenance. Unfortunately, US control of the river has made these water sources vulnerable to pollution and other forms of degradation.
The construction of dams and other infrastructure, as well as the increased human activity on the river, has damaged valuable ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests. As a result, many plants and animals have suffered, and the river’s water flow has been affected. In addition, the changing nature of the river has altered native species’ habitats, making it difficult for them to survive in the altered environment.
In addition, US control of the river has led to the introduction of invasive species, which threaten the survival of many native species. These species compete for resources, often leading to the displacement of native species, and the degradation of the environment. Furthermore, the heavy industrial activity on the Mississippi River has led to the emission of pollutants, which have, in turn, had a negative impact on water quality, air quality, and the health of nearby communities.
In order to reduce the environmental impact of US control of the Mississippi River, several steps have been taken to reduce pollution and protect the river’s habitats. The US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented regulations on sewer and hazardous waste discharge, and are actively working to reduce soil erosion. The Army Corps also strives to preserve nearby wetlands, and is working to create wildlife refuges in order to protect the river’s ecosystem.
The Mississippian Civilisation and their Historic Control of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has a long and complex history, and one of its earliest inhabitants were the Mississippian civilisation. This Indigenous group first set foot in the area in 800 A.D., and built many settlements along the river. Together, these settlements formed a powerful alliance that extended from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Illinois.
The Mississippians were able to extend their power and control over the river by taking advantage of its natural resources to trade goods with nearby tribes and empires. The presence of the river also enabled them to expand their agricultural production, thereby allowing them to feed an ever-growing population. Moreover, the Mississippians used the river to communicate with distant settlements, and to form a strong sense of community.
Though the Mississippian civilisation eventually declined in the 1500s, its impact on the Mississippi River was undeniable. The river played an essential role in the society’s development, providing sustenance, transportation, and military protection. As such, the Mississippians can be seen as the first to control the Mississippi River.
The Current Consensus on US Control of the Mississippi River
While the United States maintains its control of the Mississippi River, its role has changed over the years. As technological advances have made shipping and transportation on the river more efficient, economic activity in the region has grown exponentially. At the same time, the US has made a concerted effort to safeguard the river’s environment, leading to a healthier ecosystem for plants and animals.
Ultimately, US control of the Mississippi River has been beneficial to the nation, as well as its neighbouring countries, who rely on the river for trade and communication. Moreover, US control of the Mississippi River has helped to connect different cultures and encourage peace and stability in the region, ultimately providing a brighter future for nations on both sides of the river.
Mississippi River Conservation Efforts and Outlook
Major conservation efforts have been made in recent years to protect the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment. Projects such as the Clean Water Act and the amended Rivers and Harbors Act have made it easier for businesses and governments to keep the river clean and healthy. Other organizations, such as the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, have taken on the task of protecting the river and its tributaries from pollutants.
Moreover, public education campaigns have been launched in order to raise awareness about the importance of the Mississippi River and its value for human and animal life. As a result, people are now more informed about the activities that take place on the river and their consequences. Conservationists and activists continue to reinforce the message that the river can be preserved for future generations.
As the US maintains its control of the Mississippi River, now is the time for all stakeholders to work together in order to ensure its sustainability. Through continued conservation efforts and public education initiatives, the US can protect the river against environmental deterioration and ultimately ensure that its critical role in the nation’s economy, politics, and heritage will remain secure for many years to come.
