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?
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How much land did Livingston and Monroe buy from France?
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If you were a slave owner in Louisiana, would the slave revolt in St. Domingue scare you? Why or why not?
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Besides no longer needing Louisiana, why would Napoleon be willing to sell Louisiana to the United States by 1803?
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What economic opportunities did America want to control in Louisiana?
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Why did Thomas Jefferson want the United States to control New Orleans?
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What was Thomas Jefferson's tone in the letter to Robert Livingston?
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Why did Thomas Jefferson want to buy New Orleans?
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Describe the relationship between France and the United States up to this point.
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What geographical advantages would this land acquisition add to the United States?
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What would be some potential drawbacks to this land acquisition?
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What was Griswold's opinion about the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?
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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.