History: The Louisiana Purchase Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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

Napoleon wanted to turn Louisiana into a wheat producing colony to provide food for his sugarcane producing economy of St. Domingue.

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

Napoleon's army sent to St. Domingue failed to stop the slave rebellion, leading him to no longer need Louisiana.

What lands did Jefferson originally approve Monroe and Livingston to buy from France?

Jefferson approved the acquisition of New Orleans and pieces of Florida.

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

Napoleon was willing to sell all of the Louisiana territory for $15 million. Signup and view all the answers

How much land did Livingston and Monroe buy from France?

Livingston and Monroe acquired 827,000 square miles with the Louisiana Purchase. Signup and view all the answers

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 slaves are the people who I depend on to run my land. Signup and view all the answers

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

Napoleon lacked military forces in Louisiana and needed cash to continue his war in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What economic opportunities did America want to control in Louisiana?

America wanted to control the Mississippi River as a major trade route. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Thomas Jefferson want the United States to control New Orleans?

Jefferson wanted to ensure that the port of New Orleans remained open and free for American commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What was Thomas Jefferson's tone in the letter to Robert Livingston?

Thomas Jefferson's tone was one of great concern and fear. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Thomas Jefferson want to buy New Orleans?

Jefferson wanted to buy New Orleans because it controlled the mouth of the Mississippi River, essential for trade. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between France and the United States up to this point.

The relationship between France and the United States was good until this point. Signup and view all the answers

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

The acquisition would add the Mississippi River, a huge trading network. Signup and view all the answers

What would be some potential drawbacks to this land acquisition?

One drawback would be that the Constitution doesn't specify that the president could buy land. Signup and view all the answers

What was Griswold's opinion about the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

Griswold believed the LA Purchase was a bad decision and unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Louisiana Purchase Overview

Napoleon aimed to reclaim Louisiana from Spain to develop a wheat-producing colony to support his sugar economy in St. Domingue.
The failure to quell the slave rebellion in St. Domingue led Napoleon to decide to sell Louisiana to the United States, as he no longer needed the territory.

Jefferson's Initial Intentions

Initially, Thomas Jefferson approved Robert Livingston and James Monroe to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans and parts of Florida, offering $10 million.
Napoleon countered with an offer to sell the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million.

Land Acquisition

The Louisiana Purchase added 827,000 square miles to the United States, effectively doubling its size.
The strategic significance of the Mississippi River as a major trade route drove American interest in controlling Louisiana.

Economic Motivations

Control of New Orleans was essential for American commerce, particularly for goods transported via the Mississippi River, deemed "The Great Spine" of the nation.

Jefferson's Concerns

Jefferson expressed deep concern over France's control of Louisiana, fearing potential threats to American interests.
The relationship between France and the United States was stable, characterized by alliance, prior to these events.

Geographical Advantages

The acquisition would provide significant geographical advantages, particularly through access to the Mississippi River, enhancing trade opportunities.

Potential Drawbacks

Constitutional challenges arose regarding the purchase; it did not specify the president's authority to acquire new territory.
Financial strain expected from exploring and defending the newly acquired land posed additional concerns.

Griswold's Opposition

In a speech to Congress, Griswold argued against the Louisiana Purchase, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it could disrupt the balance among existing states.

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Description

These flashcards explore key concepts regarding the Louisiana Purchase, focusing on Napoleon's motivations for regaining and eventually selling the territory. Delve into Napoleon's strategy and the implications of this land acquisition for the United States. Test your knowledge and understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.