Thomas Jefferson The Louisiana Purchase

Thomas Jefferson Quick Facts: Wrote the Declaration of IndependenceWrote the Declaration of Independence –(1776) Party: Democratic-RepublicanParty: Democratic-Republican Served two terms: and Served two terms: and Philosophy: Federal government should be small and not interfere in people’s lives (laissez-faire).Philosophy: Federal government should be small and not interfere in people’s lives (laissez-faire). Slave ownerSlave owner

Jefferson’s Plan Thomas Jefferson sent representatives to France to try to buy the city of New Orleans from Napoleon Bonaparte.Thomas Jefferson sent representatives to France to try to buy the city of New Orleans from Napoleon Bonaparte. Jefferson offered $10 Million for the city of New Orleans.Jefferson offered $10 Million for the city of New Orleans. His negotiators were shocked when the French offered ALL of the Louisiana Territory for only $15 Million!His negotiators were shocked when the French offered ALL of the Louisiana Territory for only $15 Million! NB

The Louisiana Purchase 13 Colonies 1783 Mississippi River Louisiana Purchase (1803) New Orleans

Such a Deal! Jefferson could not pass up such a good deal:Jefferson could not pass up such a good deal: –530,000,000 acres for $15 million –It worked out to only 3 cents an acre! –The city of Newburgh would cost $70.65 at that price.

Importance of the Louisiana Purchase It doubled the size of the U.S. It gave the U.S. control of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans.

Was it constitutional? Jefferson worried that the Constitution did not give the president the power to buy territory. How did he justify the purchase? –T–T–T–The Constitution gives the President the power to make treaties with other nations. The Senate ratified the treaty in 1803.

Lewis and Clark Jefferson asked his personal secretary, Merriwether Lewis to explore the Louisiana Territory. Lewis asked a friend, William Clark, to be co-leader on the expedition they called the Corps of Discovery. The mission of the Corps of Discovery: to explore and report back to Jefferson on animals, resources, and to map a route to the Pacific Ocean.

Some Members of the Expedition Merriwether Lewis WilliamClark Sacagawea Clark also brought his slave, York. York was a full member of the Corps of Discovery but was returned to slavery afterwards. A Native American translator, she had a baby on the trip.

May 14, 1804 to September 23, 1806 Pgs “Gateway to the West”

Western Exploration Pg. 284

Wildlife The buffalo once roamed the Great Plains by the millions. They were hunted almost to extinction but are making a comeback.