1. The Louisiana Purchase Chapter 10.2

2. The Louisiana Purchase Spanish controlled the territory known as Louisiana –Traded it back to the French when they couldn’t keep the US settlers out French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to build a strong French empire in America –1 st he had a rebellion to deal with in Haiti (led by enslaved Africans) French failed to quell this rebellion

3. Jefferson became concerned about French ownership of Louisiana (especially the port of New Orleans) Sent diplomats to convince the French that the US should control New Orleans –The French were willing to sell the entire Louisiana territory Needed the money to fight the British Signed the treaty in 1803 to buy Louisiana for $15,000,000 dollars (15 million) After Senate approval, this doubled the size of the United States

4. Facts –Made up of 828,000 sq. miles –Portions of 15 states included in this purchase –Some opposed this acquisition –Approximately $.03/.04 acre –Paid 3 million up front and financed the rest from European Banks

5. Exploring the western territories –Even before the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson wanted to send explorers beyond the Mississippi 1803 Congress funded a group led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to do the exploringMeriwether Lewis and William Clark from St. Louis to the Rockies to the Pacific. A journey that lasted 2 years –Met many Indian tribes and collected scientific information Also sent Zebulon Pike to find the source of the Red River (northern border of Texas). Traveled along the Rio Grande and imprisoned by Spanish –Reported that the U.S. should take advantage of business opportunities with the Spanish