1. 1783 United States Wins Independence

2. Thirteen Colonies  In 1775, American Patriots in the 13 colonies began fighting for independence from G. Britain.  Later, Spain joined the fight against the British.  The Spanish governor of Louisiana helped us tremendously.  He had victories over the British in the Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana.

3. Louisiana’s Spanish Governor  While Galvez the Spanish Louisiana governor was fighting he requested cattle from Texas to feed his men.  Between 1779 and 1782 Tejanos drove around 10,000 cattle into Louisiana from Texas.  This was the first ever cattle drive!

4. The New Nation  The 13 colonies became a republic - a government in which voters elect officials to represent them.  The new nation quickly grew, leading some Spanish officials to see it as a threat.  U.S settlers soon pushed to the Mississippi River and into Louisiana.  Spanish Officials allowed this because it boosted population.

5. France Forces Spain to Give back Louisiana  In 1800 France forced Spain to give back Louisiana.

6. Background  There had been conflicts between Spain and the U.S. concerning the Mississippi River before.  The conflict was resolved in 1795, a treaty was written in which Spain allowed the U.S to use the Mississippi River and port of n. Orleans.  Jefferson was uneasy about this treaty. He felt that at any moment Spain might cut off the U.S.’s use of the river.

7. The Louisiana Purchase

8. 1803  A land deal between France and the United States.  The U.S acquired approximately 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River.  The land was purchased for $15,000,000.

9. President Thomas Jefferson  As the U.S was expanding westward, navigation of the Mississippi River and access to the port of N. Orleans was critical.  It was critical to ship and receive goods by vessel.