Analysis: The Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase was signed on April 30, 1803, in Paris, France, during Thomas Jefferson's presidency. While many people were not convinced that it was unconstitutional for the government to purchase land and felt it would be a waste of money, Jefferson envisioned more freedom from foreign superpowers, more land to farm, and unrestricted access to the Mississippi River which was controlled by the more-powerful France. Acquiring the Port of New Orleans and the Floridas from France was a significant milestone and the most important real estate deal in history. It set a precedent for future land purchase, gave people opportunities to settle into unsettled territory and strengthened our nation.

Under the orders of President Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston and James Monroe traveled to France to purchase the Port of New Orleans and the Floridas for a price of $10 million dollars. But when they arrived, Napoleon Bonaparte offered them the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million dollars. Even though the United States did not have that kind of money, the offer was too hard to pass up and so the purchase

was made.

Once the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was executed, the United States would be the owner of an additional 828,000 square miles of land that held many natural resources that would benefit this country more than anyone could ever imagine. Even though the price was high for us at the time, it was a real steal of a bargain! This awesome land deal almost doubled the size of the United States and is larger than France, Italy, the British Isles, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Holland, and Switzerland combined!

Spain was not happy about the sale but did not have the military power to keep it, so they returned Louisiana to France on October 20, 1803, and the Treaty was ratified by the Senate that same day. The official transfer of the territory from France to the United States took place on December 20, 1803, and the United States was the official owner in possession by December 30, 1803.

Spain had been in control of this land immediately prior to France retaking control of it and had cut off America's access to the Port of New Orleans which is where we exported our goods and produce. Some Americans were opposed to the purchase because they felt we had too much land and not enough money. They did not think we should make the purchase and go further into debt. They were also worried about having to defend the massive area of land. Many others were prepared to go to war over this port.

In a letter to Caption Merryweather Lewis dated June 20, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked him to explore the new territory by way of the Mississippi River and gather important genealogical information along the way and report all of his findings back to him. Captain Lewis joined forces with William Clark and they notified Native Americans and other settlers along the way that they were now residing in U.S. territory. This would be become known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Lewis and Clark went on a two year expedition to take measurements of the land, make maps of its soil, rivers and creeks, gather soil samples and specimens of plants and animals, and make note of its resources. They would also note weather data and information about its peoples and their cultures. Lewis and Clark both were great frontiersman. Clark was also known for his drafting abilities which would assist with the extensive map making of the land. They would make trades along the way and would follow the Mississippi River for their travel.

President Jefferson's vision of more freedom and more land to farm was coming to fruition. We would not have to answer to other countries and farmers could plant massive farms which would feed more people as well as animals. Animals were a food staple so taking care of them and providing them with grazing areas on a colossal scale would in turn produce more animals which would in turn feed more people. The economy flourished, prosperity was in reach and people were happier. The central areas of our continent at the time were perfect for settlement as the Missouri and Red Rivers flowed east of the Mississippi Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Forests and pastures, as well as farms and prairies were well fertilized.

Our Nation became stronger because of the Louisiana Purchase. Populations increased, mining and agriculture boomed, and we were able to export more of our goods. The land was rich with resources such as silver and gold. Early settlers were able to set out into unsettled territory and start life anew. Americans had been moving west during this time period and this area of land was a crucial part of that. The freedom and prosperity promote…

I chose this topic because I am fascinated with the great Thomas Jefferson. He was more than a Founding Father; he was a visionary who made our country what it is today almost single handedly. The Louisiana Purchase was his crowning achievement, and perhaps the best achievement of all Presidents in our country's history. His decision to purchase the land allowed the United States to become its own superpower and paved the way for future generations to explore the territory of this great country. Without this purchase, we may have been just a part of another superpower. Instead, we became our own superpower.

I conducted research by going to the library at school and conducting extensive searches online. I learned a lot from reading about this purchase, not only what I am putting in this paper. I was able to find photographs that I could include in my research and use in my website. I selected the website project because I wanted my project to be more modern that the old days of just creating a project on a poster board. Since most of my research came from the internet, I decided I would create a website that others could stumble upon during their research in the future. I used Weebly to assist me in creating this website.

The theme is Encounter, Exploration, and Exchange.

My topic fits with this theme in all ways. The Louisiana Purchase was an exchange of real estate between the United States and France. This purchase would lead to the Lewis and Clark Expedition which would explore the new land. There would be many encounters along the way of the exploration. The Louisiana Purchase is very important because it gave people opportunities to settle territory and strengthened our nation. It was a milestone real estate deal that not only made our country larger, but was a gateway to future land deals. The Louisiana Purchase would impact many generations and even future generations. It showed us how to purchase land, how to explore and map it, and how to settle it. Without this purchase, our United States would be a very different country than what we know and love

today!

This exchange impacted our country in many ways and still impacts us. Can you imagine having to go around this territory to get from the East to the West?