Being from Louisiana, I am happy they did.
The Federalist Party, particularly New England Federalists, was the biggest critic of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. They feared the expansion would diminish their political power, increase the national debt, and lead to regional secession. Prominent voices included Rufus King and congressman Fisher Ames, who famously stated, âWe are to give money of which we have too little for land of which we have too muchâ.
[image]History.com +3
Key Aspects of the Opposition:
- Political Power Shift: Federalists worried that new western states created from the territory would align with the Democratic-Republicans, permanently reducing Federalist influence.
- Constitutional Concerns: Federalists (and initially Jefferson himself) believed the Constitution did not authorize the federal government to acquire new territory.
- Cost and Debt: The $15 million price tag was considered too expensive for the young nation.
- Alliance Risks: Some believed the purchase would anger Great Britain, which the Federalists favored as a trading partner, and that the land should have been taken through different means.
[image]Wikipedia +5
While they strongly opposed the deal, their efforts were largely ineffective, as the Senate passed the treaty with a 24-7 vote
There are always criticsâŠ
Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune, was a leading critic of the 1867 Alaska Purchase, calling the territory a âburdenâ and criticizing the $7.2 million cost. While âSewardâs Follyâ is the famous moniker, opposition was largely driven by a vocal minority in the press and Congress, particularly against President Andrew Johnson.
[image]Britannica +3
Key Critics and Criticism of the Alaska Purchase:
- Horace Greeley: The editor of the New York Tribune was among the loudest opponents, arguing that the land was not worth taking as a gift, let alone paying for it.
- Radical Republicans: Many Republican members of Congress were opposed, largely due to their hatred of President Andrew Johnson, who was facing intense scrutiny (and eventually impeachment) at the time.
- Media and Congressional Detractors: Critics mocked the deal by calling it âSewardâs Iceboxâ and âPresident Andrew Johnsonâs âpolar bear gardenââ.
- Opposition Themes: Critics primarily viewed the territory as a âbarren tundraâ or a âwalrus-coveredâ icebox (leading to the term âWalrussiaâ).
[image]Facebook +4
Note: The phrase âSewardâs Follyâ was largely coined by critics over time, and a 2015 study by the Alaska Historical Society noted that most Americans did not initially oppose the deal, which was quickly supported by lawmakers.
Thereâs a reason the Federalists only won ONE election ever (John Adamsâ first election).
And having spent 19 GREAT months in Alaska, THANK YOU SEWARD for buying it!
buying stolen landâŠ
Alaska was stolen?
I was born in Lake Charles but mostly raised in Baton Rouge area.
Like an old logistics boss once told meâŠ
âIf ya ainât cheatinâ, ya ainât tryinâ.â
You worked for Belichik�
always interesting just how little of that had french influence outside of louisianna. seems to me with the cajuns, french arkansas would fit right in. really telling of the local influence in a geographical region, the french louisianna are almost a different species from the french region in canada.
It crosses the Sabine River. I know, I married into it
I was born in new Orleans, we lived in Avondale then moved to Texas in 65
Lots of cajuns in port auther
Lots of Texans in Shreveport.
In Port Arthur as well 