30 avr. 1803 - Louisiana Purchase

Description:

Americans felt threatened after they discovered that Spain had given the Louisiana Territory to the much more powerful France. Therefore, Jefferson wanted to make a deal to take control of the lower Mississippi River to suppress French influence. Instead, due to economic problems in France, America ended up striking a deal and getting all of the Louisiana Territory for $15 million. It doubled America’s boundaries and gave them more access to the Mississippi River. This purchase was crucial for America’s identity because it expanded their land and established their power over North America since there was less European presence. It also increased the people's sense of nationalism, because they had so much more land to explore and use.