Louis and Clark Expedition
Napoleon and Louisiana
France is under control of General Napoleon Bonaparte. He is feared throught Europe. Napoleon dreames of rebuilding France’s empire. All through North America. The only thing standing in his way is a rebellion in the French colony on the Caribbean island of HIspaniola. A former slave has assumed leadership over this island. People everywhere from the Caribbean to the United States are alarmed by this successful slave revolt. Napoleon wants to regain control of the island. Sending a French army to recapture Hati the slave successfully fought the French forces. The French have failed to retake the island.
The Mississippi Region
U.S. leaders have just learned that the French have regained ownership of Louisiana. France began watching Napoleon’s actions suspicion. President Jefferson knows that a French-occupied Louisiana could block the westwarde expansion of the United States. The French could interfere with U.S. trade along the Mississippi River. New Orleans busy seaport has rich cultural heritage. These docks are filled with valuable furs and many other products. Many cargos are sent to Europe. There are a varity of language and culture. This diverse community of the seaport is the main point of Jefferson’s foreign policy.
Purchasing the Territory/Surprising Offer
President Jefferson wants to keep the French from controlling New Orleans. He is hoping that the U.S can buy the port city from France and that will solve the problem. Jefferson has instructed Robert Livingston, the U.S ambassador to France, to try and purchase New Orleans and Flordia from the French. Livingston and Monroe is meeting with the French minister, Charles Talleyrand, to discuss the offer. Napoleon is willing to sell Louisiana for many reasons. But he had no suplies. Napoleon hopes that by selling Louisiana to the U.S., this would challenge Britain. They are agreeing to buy Louisiana from France for $15 million and sign a treaty.
Expanding the Nation
Jefferson does not believe that the Constitution has the power to bring the territory of Lousiana into the United States. Livingston feared that France would withdraw their offer so Jefferson should act fast. He excepted the offer and the Senate approved the treaty and made the Louisiana Purchase official. Although the bounderies aren’t clearly identified, the Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S. President Jefferson is pleased with what the land can offer. He says proudly that the Louisiana Purchase expanded “the empire of liberty” and provided “a widespread field for the blessings of freedom.”
