Disadvantages Of The Louisiana Purchase

In the year of 1803, America’s territory was expanded by nearly double its original size. Such an acquisition turned out to be very beneficial, but much like a rose, such a feat did come with its thorns. The Louisiana Purchase posed several moral dilemmas for President Thomas Jefferson, but overall the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The weakened country of Spain returned the Louisiana Purchase back to France, which at this time was led by Napoleon Bonaparte. Purchasing this land would protect the United States’ ability to ensure the ownership and use of the vital port of New Orleans. This buy also proved to be beneficial in that it not only prevented a war between America and France but also eliminated France’s presence as an enemy in North America. The Louisiana Purchase perhaps opened the idea of ‘Manifest Destiny’ to the United States and its citizens. With all of these advantages, the end certainly justifies the means. Though the means at which the United States was able to obtain such a territory came at the price of President Thomas Jefferson’s morals, in the long run it is easily one of the biggest achievements in American history. Upon hearing the secret agreement of Spain returning the Louisiana Purchase to

Upon learning that France was to apprehend this territory, President Thomas Jefferson noted, “There is on the globe one single spot, the possessor of which is our natural and habitual enemy. It is New Orleans.” (https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/louisiana-purchase) This was the reason that the United States ended up buying the Louisiana Purchase to begin with. With New Orleans in the hands of the French government, one of the most vital ports to the States would be gone. So the Louisiana Purchase kept the United States’ economy afloat as well as adding land to the evolving