Louisiana Purchase

Overview

• The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 added approximately 828,000 square miles of territory to the United States.
• This acquisition doubled the size of the U.S.
• The land stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border.
• 15 states were eventually carved from this territory.
• Considered a significant achievement of President Thomas Jefferson.

France in the New World

• Began exploring the Mississippi River valley in the 17th century.
• By mid-18th century, controlled extensive territories in what is now the United States.
• Post-French and Indian War, France ceded territories to Spain and Britain.

Changes in Ownership

• 1796: Spain allied with France, leading Britain to isolate Spain from America.
• 1801: Spain secretly returned the Louisiana Territory to France.
• Concerns in the U.S. over French control, specifically regarding access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.
• President Jefferson contemplated aligning with Britain if France took New Orleans.

Negotiations for the Purchase

• 1802: France interfered with American rights in New Orleans.
• Jefferson sent James Monroe to assist Robert Livingston in negotiations.
• France, facing multiple challenges, offered to sell the entire Louisiana Territory.
• April 1803: U.S. agreed to purchase for $11.25 million, plus assuming $3.75 million in claims.
• Treaty signed on May 2; U.S. Senate ratified in October.

Legacy and Impact

• Purchase cost was less than three cents an acre.
• American westward expansion accelerated.
• 1804: Territorial government established.
• Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the new territory.
• April 30, 1812: Louisiana admitted as the 18th state of the Union.

Additional Resources

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