In the 1600's, Britain
owned the Louisiana Territory, naming it after King Louis XIV of Britain. In 1763, the French were defeated
by England in the Seven Year's War. Louis XV gave the Louisiana Territory
to his cousin, King Charles III of Spain. This was a gift for assistance
during the war. Now this land was ruled by Spain, but remained French
in language and culture. People were very happy to be under Spanish rule.
Napoleon came to
power in France. France now has the world's largest military.
Napoleon wanted the Oregon Territory and East
and West Florida back from Spain. It was difficult. Finally, Napoleon
offered Charles IV of Spain the French-owned Duchy of Parma in Italy in exchange
for Louisiana. Charles IV wanted the Duchy of Parma for his daughter
and her husband so they might rule as king and queen there. This exchange
was confirmed, but Napoleon had to promise he would never sell Louisiana
without asking Spain's permission first. East and West Florida were
not part of the deal. Spain wanted to keep them for power along the
Gulf of Mexico.
When the time came
for transfer of lands, Spain's daughter and son-in-law went to the Duchy
of Parma. They found it to be ruled by French troops. Napoleon
had not kept his part of the deal. Spain was signing secret treaties
and were not being fair either. Spain was delaying things for as long
as possible and Napoleon was becoming very upset. He decided the French
must take Louisiana back by force. France feels they can not be friends
with the New America because it seems too much like Spain. They want Louisiana so they new
country cannot grow.
James Monroe was President of the United States
at this time. His minister to France was named Robert Livingston.
Livingston wrote an essay why it would not be a good idea for Napoleon to
take Louisiana. Napoleon made no comment.
France attacks Santo
Domingo, which is near New Orleans. They feel if they can take over
this land, they will be able to set up a military base there and then that
will help them take over Louisiana by force.
Meanwhile, Charles
IV of Spain finally settled his secret treaties and told Napoleon that he
could now have the Louisiana Territory whenever he was ready. Spain
will still keep East and West Florida. Napoleon is upset. Nothing can stand in his way of
building a great empire in the New World.
People want Jefferson
to declare war on France. They are scared about France owning so much
of the land. Jefferson did not fight if not absolutely necessary, so
he tried to find other ways to handle this first.
Jealousy and mistrut
between England and France was growing. The French military was becoming
weak due to all the fighting at Mexico.
Tension was building between Britain and France. Napoleon knew that
a lot of money would be needed for an upcoming war with Britain. Napoleon
decided to sell the Louisiana Territory and put his dream of a New World
Empire on hold. Several people tried to talk Napoleon out of this decision,
including his brothers.
Napoleon's price for this land
is $22,500,000. The United States was surprised by this huge amount,
and offer $10 million. Napoleon agrees
to $10 million.
THE UNITED STATES
DOUBLES ITS SIZE WITHOUT FIRING A SINGLE SHOT!!!!
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