Date of Award
5-2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
History
Department
History
Major Professor
Millett, Allan R.
Second Advisor
Billings, Warren M.
Third Advisor
Mitchell, Mary N.
Abstract
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase doubled the territory of the fledgling United States. Taking control of and defending the new territory, especially the culturally heterogeneous city of New Orleans occupied much of the administration's time. Most of the burden for establishing the defense policy rested on William C. C. Claiborne, a staunch Jeffersonian, former member of Congress from Tennessee, and previous governor of the Mississippi Territory. By working with local business leaders with a stake in American success, observing the local customs and traditions, and gradually encouraging political participation, Claiborne successfully introduced the American militia system to a culture far different from that of his native Virginia. Claiborne's policies reduced the likelihood that local dissidents and foreign powers such as Spain and Great Britain could conspire to subvert American government in Louisiana by rebellion and invasion.
Recommended Citation
Stolz, Joseph F. III, ""An Ardent Military Spirit": William C. C. Claiborne and the Creation of the Orleans Territorial Militia, 1803-1805" (2009). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 944.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/944
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.