Lecture Notes: The Louisiana Purchase and Its Impact on US Expansion

Introduction

• Recent news about US government interest in Greenland parallels historical territorial acquisitions.
• Key Example: The Louisiana Purchase was a significant expansion of US territory.

The Louisiana Territory

• Initially part of France's North American colonies (1680-1762).
• Named after French King Louis XIV.
• 1763: France lost the Seven Years War against Britain.
  • French King Louis XV ceded the territory to his cousin, Charles III of Spain, to prevent British acquisition.
• 1800: Napoleon regained the territory from Spain with plans for a French colonial empire in North America.

Reasons for the Sale

• France's colonial ambitions faltered:
  • Failed revolt suppression in Saint-Domingue.
  • Imminent war with the UK.
• Napoleon decided to sell Louisiana to the US to abandon American colonial ambitions.

US Acquisition of Louisiana

• President Thomas Jefferson's long-term goal was to purchase Louisiana, control Mississippi River, and New Orleans.
• 1803: US bought the territory for $15 million ($18 per square mile).
  • $3 million in gold used as down payment.

Treaty Negotiation

• Negotiated by French Treasury Minister and American delegates.
• Domestic opposition faced by Jefferson:
  • Federalist Party favored British ties and opposed purchase.
  • Concerns over potential war with Spain and constitutional legitimacy.
  • House vote narrowly succeeded (59-57).

Spanish Reaction

• Spain was unhappy, claiming France's promise not to alienate Louisiana to third parties.
• Spanish Prime Minister eventually authorized US negotiation with France.
• November 30, 1802: Spain turned territory over to France in New Orleans.
• April 30, 1803: Louisiana Purchase treaty signed in Paris.
• July 4, 1803: Announced by Jefferson to the American public.

Impact of the Purchase

• Nearly doubled the size of US territory overnight.
• Added 60,000 new inhabitants.
• Provided access to the Mississippi River Basin and pathway to the West.
• Jefferson's Speech: US gains status among world powers.
• Essential for US establishment and future as a world power.