The Louisiana Purchase and Exploration Chapter 10, Section 2
The West in 1800 By 1800, thousand of settlers were moving westward across the Appalachians. Many settled on land inhabited by Native Americans. Several territories soon declared statehood. Kentucky and Tennessee became states in 1800. Ohio entered in 1803. Beyond the Mississippi River- the western boarder of the U.S.- France and Spain continued to negotiate for ownership of the Louisiana Territory.
The Mississippi River and New Orleans The Mississippi River was a vital component for farmers and merchants. Used river as a highway for commerce- transporting their products through the New Orleans port, into the Gulf of Mexico and the to East Coast markets. Originally claimed by France, the port was turned over to Spain during the French and Indian War. In a secret treaty in 1800, Spain returned the port to France’s powerful leader Napoleon. Napoleon wanted to colonize the territory, bringing America closer to war.
The United States Expands In 1802, before turning Louisiana over to France, Spain closed the Port of New Orleans to American ships. Angry Americans called for war against both France and Spin. To avoid hostilities, Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans from France. Jefferson received a surprising answer. France asked if the U.S. wanted to buy ALL of the Louisiana Territory.
The United States Expands Number of factors influenced Napoleon’s offer. 1. A revolt led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, in Haiti, a French colony, resulted in a disastrous loss for the French. 2. France’s costly war against Britain, left France in debt. American money may have been more important to Napoleon that land. On April 30, 1803, Congress approved $15 million dollars- about three cents per acre for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. The size of the U.S. doubled!!!
Exploring the Louisiana Territory Jefferson planed an expedition to learn more about the territory. Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark were chosen to explore the Louisiana country.
The Journey Begins Lewis & Clark set out in the summer of 1803. By winter, they had arrived in St. Louis and spent the winter there. Left St. Louis in May of 1804. Jefferson instructed them to: 1. explore the Missouri River in hopes of finding a water route across the continent. 2. establish good relations with Native Americans. 3. catalog and describe the landscape, plants, and animals they encountered.
The Journey Continues After reaching present-day North Dakota, Lewis & Clark spent the winter there. They met British and Canadian fur trappers, who were not happy to see them. They feared American competition in the fur trade. In spring 1805, the expedition set foot again. They were joined by Sacagawea, a Shoshone Indian. Her language and geographical skills would be of great value.
The Journey Continues Sacagawea led them to the Rocky Mountains. The expedition would continue along the Columbia River, which would lead them to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis & Clark arrived at the Pacific Coast in November of 1805 and later returned to St. Louis in 1806. Lewis & Clark brought back a wealth of valuable knowledge. Produced first good maps of the west. Cataloged landscape, plants and animals found in the new territory.
Zebulon Pike and the Southern Route In 1806, Zebulon Pike, an explorer, left St. Louis on a southern route to find resources of present day Arkansas and the Red Rivers. The explorers entered Spanish territory and were arrested. Were released in 1807.
Zebulon Pike and the Southern Route Pike’s group brought back valuable descriptions of the land. However, not all descriptions were accurate. Ex. Described the treeless Great Plains as a desert >> mistakenly led Americans to think that the Plains region was useless for farming. OPPS!