history The Louisiana Purchase

What economic opportunities that were afforded to Louisiana's unique geography did America want to control?

The economic opportunities that were afforded to LOuisiana's unique geography that America wanted to control was the Mississippi River. AMerica knew that this would be a major trade route for the country. They were also looking to expand their agriculture opportunities.

What geographical advantages would this land acquisition add to the United States?

The geographical advantages that this land would add to the United States if acquired would be the Mississippi River. This river was a huge trading network and would be an essential economic benefit to any country that would acquire it.

Break down of Griswold's speech to Congress in 1803.

Griswold believed the LA Purchase was a bad decision. Griswold believes the Purchase was unconstitutional and that the addition of new states would upset the delicate agreement between the original states. Griswold also believes that the vast territory would be ungovernable and that the dispersal of the population throughout the territory would threaten the balance between the East and the West.

What is Roger Griswold's opinion about the Louisiana Purchase?

Griswold's opinion was that he felt the purchase would dilute the Northern influence and wanted to succeed from the Union due to Jefferson and the democrats. Griswold also felt that the U.S. paid a large sum of money just to declare war on Spain.

Thomas Jefferson wanted to buy New Orleans from the French in 1803. Why would Jefferson want the United States to control New Orleans?

Jefferson knew it was crucial that the port the New Orleans remain open and free for American commerce, particularly the goods coming down the Mississippi River. He considered New Orleans the enemy because much of their produce had to pass through that territory and he wanted to control it. He considered the Mississippi River "The Great Spine" that would hold America together.

What lands did Jefferson originally approve Monroe and Livingston to buy from France? How much could they offer France for these lands?

Jefferson originally only approved the acquisition of New Orleans and pieces of Florida. They would offer $10 milion for these lands.

How much land did Livingston and Monroe buy from France?

Livingston and Monroe acquired 827,000 square miles with the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the United States.

What is James Madison's opinion about the Louisiana Purchase?

Madison was excited about the purchase and say it will be a noble acquisition. Madison also states that if the United States manages the territory well it could do much good and prevent evil events from happening.

Breakdown of James Madison's letter to Robert Livingston.

Madison was in favor of the Louisiana purchase. He approved the acquisition of it, stated that if managed appropriately it would do a lot of good and may actually prevent a lot of evil. Madison deteriorates the importance of the territory moving from frorgein hands the hands of the UNited STates. He also states the importance of securing control of the mouth of the Mississippi River. (madison is an anti-federalist)

Why did Napoleon decide to sell Louisiana to the United States?

Napoleon decided to sell Louisiana to the states because his army sent to ST. DOmingue failed to stop the slave rebellion. This meant that Napoleon no longer needed Louisiana anymore, therefore, he decided to sell Louisiana to the United States.

2. Besides no longer needing Louisiana anymore, why would Napoleon be willing to sell Louisiana to the United States by 1803?

Napoleon lacked military forces in Louisiana, he could not defend it against the British and needed cash to continue his war in Europe.

Why did Napoleon want to take Louisiana back from the Spanish?

Napoleon wanted to take Louisiana back from the Spanish because he wanted to turn Louisiana into a wheat producing colony to provide food for his sugarcane producing economy of St. Domingue.

What was Napoleon's counter offer to Livingston and Monroe?

Napoleon was willing to sell all of the louisiana territory for 15$ million.

What would be some potential drawbacks to this acquisition?

One drawback would be that the constitution doesn't specifically say that the president could buy land. A second drawback would be that with the purchase of such a vast amount of land we would now have to spend money to have it explored and defended. A second drawback would be that with the purchase of such a vast amount of land we would now have to spend money to have it explored and defended.

According to the letter, describe the relationship between France and the United States up to this point.

The relationship between France and the United States was good up until this point. It was a stable relationship and they were both allies to one another.

Why did Thomas Jefferson want to buy New Orleans?

Thomas Jefferson wanted to buy NEw Orleans because it controlled the mouth of the MIssissippi River which was essential to trade and the development Northwest territory.

Task 4: a. What was Thomas Jefferson's tone in the letter to Robert Livingston? What does that tell you about his feeling toward France controlling Louisiana?

Thomas Jefferson's tone was of great concern and fear. He knew France sill influenced America greatly.

Task 2: Questions If you were a slave owner in Louisiana, would the slave revolt in St. Domingue scare you? Why or why not?

Yes, it would scare me because the slave are the people who I depend to run my land.