After the Revolutionary War; Spain controlled more property on the North American Continent than any other nation which included the old British colonies of East and West Florida; the lower Mississippi River and New Orleans; the huge territory known as Louisiana on the west side of the Mississippi; all the rivers draining into the Gulf of Mexico; and most of what would be California; Arizona; Texas and New Mexico. Spain? How did Spain get so powerful? Here s how. With the war over in 1783 ; the thirteen British colonies; now established as a confederation of states; occupied only that small part of the North American continent south of the Saint Lawrence River down to Georgia and as far west as the Mississippi River. Exhausted by the war; heavily in debt and still working to design a viable federal government; the young United States paid little attention to Spain as she quietly grew her hegemony. The biggest problem: Spain was stopping all U.S. commerce coming down the Mississippi River and passing through New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. Spain was a power to be reckoned with. For a dozen years Spanish emissaries and U.S. diplomats sparred over the use of the Mississippi River and the exact boundary line between the two nations. Finally; in 1795; both issues were resolved in great detail by the Treaty of Friendship; Limits and Navigation between Spain and the United States. The two major provisions of the treaty opened up the Mississippi River for free trade and delineated the boundary line between the six-year-old United States and the Spanish-held territory of East and West Florida. After the new Congress ratified the Pinckney Treaty; President Washington appointed Andrew Ellicott as commissioner for the survey and directed him to organize a team to meet the Spanish survey team in Natchez; a small village with a Spanish fort on the banks of the Mississippi River; and perform the survey of the new boundary. Washington chose Andrew Ellicott;a second-generation Pennsylvania and the most famous astronomer-surveyor in America. He had no formal education and was self-taught in astronomy; the earth sciences; mechanics and mathematics. The Pennsylvania legislature appointed him to survey all their state boundaries; and he would eventually survey the boundaries of thirteen states. Elliott was chosen by Washington and Secretary of State Jefferson to survey the ten-square-mile District of Columbia and many of the boulevards and squares in the new federal capital. Ellicott's greatest achievement was his survey of the first international boundary line of the United States dividing the thirteen states from the property owned by His Catholic Majesty; Charles V of Spain.
#2774049 in Books Zaki Ameen 2009-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .28 x 5.00l; .30 #File Name: 0980994861120 pagesLiving By The Point Of My Spear
Review
11 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Quran Koran Islam Mohammad analyzedBy William Garrison Jr.The author is a former Muslim imam; who after arriving in the U.S. (c. 2000 A.D.?); embraced Christianity. Being a former Muslim; the author is well versed in understanding the subtle nuances of multiple meanings of Arabic words in the Quran that cause confusion to non-Muslims in trying to understand Islam: after all; what does "jihad" mean: self-defense or a warfare opportunity? The author will frequently provide specific ayat citations from the Koran or other hadith. However; all too frequently; the author will make some interesting statement; but not provide any citation for his claim. This Muslim apostate argues that Muhammad was not a prophet; but a man who hoodwinked many in acknowledging him as their religious-state leader: who championed the plundering and enslavement of neighboring tribes who did not kowtow to his `straight path' to Allah's wishes. While many of his uncited quotes are interesting; why are there no citations for them? Chapter topics include: Manipulation of the Quran; The Abrogrator and the Abrogated; The chronological development of the Quran; Influence of conqured cultures on Islam; Interpretation of the Tawba chapter (sura); Getting rid of the Satanic Verses; Muhammad's [mis-]treatment of slaves and women; Terrorism and brutality in Muhammad's thoughts and actions; amongst others. This would have been a `wonderful' book if the author had just provided citations to so many of his unsubstantiated contentions. If you are familiar with the various books of Robert Spencer (of `Jihad Watch'); then this book will be understandable. Serious students of Islam should read this book to become aware of the author's analysis as to how and why various Quran chapters were patched together in the manner that they are. He has some interesting; but controversial insights regarding the development of the Tawba sura; too bad he didn't provide much citeable support for his opinions. Better than a 2-star booklet; but doesn't really make it to the respectable 3-star level.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. astonishing!By PhattyAside from noticing the personal grudge of the author; much of this material holds true. I am a former Muslim and this was the true face none of us were ever taught or made aware of. I hope the truth comes to light as this religion is an absolute threat to humanity.29 of 31 people found the following review helpful. Great book for Muslims and non-MuslimsBy Rangga MalikI would like to thank Zaki Ameen for his effort in writing this great book. The book is especially written for Muslims; but; nonetheless; non-Muslims also will get a lot of benefit and tons of important information about the world; way of thinking; motivation; ambition; political movements of the prophet of Islam; Mohammed.After reading this book; you will understand why the world of Muslim community is always in chaos; day by day; since 1.400 years ago to this very second. Before reading this book; I knew that there must be something wrong in Muslim world; but now I know for sure that the root of the problem relies on Mohammed's teachings in Islam.My message to Muslim fellows is that Zaki Ameen sincerely intent to reveal the true message of Islam. He understands all the troubles and sufferings Muslims have to undergo because of Islam; since he was an Imam and earnt his living by teaching Islam for years in Middle East. Give him a chance to open up and enlight your minds. Read his book with open heart and let your mind objectively do the judging.To non-Muslim westerners; this book is a must have. You will never see Islam the same way again. More than that; you will understand the serious problem the free world is facing right now from the threat of radical Muslims and Islamic countries.To Zaki Ameen; I wish you keep writing great books about Islam. Let the whole world understand more about Mohammed; Islam; and Muslims. Knowledge is the crucial element in fighting against Islamic terrorism and you already contribute a lot to the humanity by writing this great book. Thank you.
