10 Questions
Which country controlled the port of New Orleans before the Louisiana Purchase?
Spain
What was the main reason for Jefferson wanting to purchase New Orleans?
To prevent France from closing New Orleans to American trade
Who did Jefferson send to Paris to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans?
James Monroe
How much did the United States pay for the Louisiana Territory in the Louisiana Purchase?
$15 million
What was the impact of the Louisiana Purchase on the size of the United States?
It doubled the size of the United States
What were the concerns of Jefferson regarding the port of New Orleans and American trade?
Jefferson feared that France would close New Orleans to American trade.
What was the outcome of James Monroe's negotiations in Paris?
The French offered to sell all of the Louisiana Territory to the United States for just $15 million.
What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase for the size of the United States?
The Louisiana Purchase more than doubled the size of the United States.
What constitutional issue did the Louisiana Purchase raise?
The U.S. Constitution made no mention of buying foreign lands.
What was the main problem that the United States faced in terms of ports on the Gulf of Mexico?
The young nation had no ports on the Gulf of Mexico.
Study Notes
The Control of New Orleans
- Before the Louisiana Purchase, the port of New Orleans was controlled by France.
- The main reason for Jefferson wanting to purchase New Orleans was to ensure American access to the Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans, which was crucial for trade.
The Negotiation of the Purchase
- Jefferson sent James Monroe and Robert Livingston to Paris to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans.
- The outcome of James Monroe's negotiations in Paris was the signing of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty.
The Louisiana Purchase
- The United States paid $15 million for the Louisiana Territory in the Louisiana Purchase.
- The Louisiana Purchase increased the size of the United States by approximately 828,000 square miles, effectively doubling the country's territory.
Impact on American Trade
- Jefferson's concerns regarding the port of New Orleans and American trade were that it was a critical route for commerce and that without it, American trade would be severely hindered.
- The main problem that the United States faced in terms of ports on the Gulf of Mexico was the lack of access to the Mississippi River, which was controlled by France.
Constitutional Issue
- The Louisiana Purchase raised a constitutional issue regarding the power of the federal government to acquire new territory, which was not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Quiz: The Louisiana Purchase and its Impact on American Expansion Test your knowledge on the Louisiana Purchase and its significance in expanding the borders of the United States. Learn about the challenges faced by the young nation, including the lack of Gulf of Mexico ports and Spain's control over the port of New Orleans. Discover how Thomas Jefferson negotiated the secret treaty with France and its implications for American farmers in the western territories.
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