The Louisiana Purchase

AKA- The Story of How We Rip Off France

I. Essential Questions

II. Post-War Borders

III. Frances’ Troubles

IV. The Deal

V. The Debate

VI. Impact

Agenda

How important was the role of France in shaping the borders of America?

How important was the Louisiana Purchase in moving America towards Manifest Destiny?

What were the implications for Natives and Mexico?

I. Essential Questions

II. Post-War Borders

Treaty of Paris◦ Britain gives all of their territory in the Ohio

country

Border with New France is defined by the Mississippi River

St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes define the border with British Canada

II. Post-War Borders

NAPOLEON

French Empire in America

War with Britain

They needed cash

III. France’s Troubles

It also probably didn’t help we were slowly piece by piece taking land from New France…

Including New Orleans

III. France’s Troubles

Napoleon would sell all of New France for $15 million

The deal included 828,000 square miles of land (nearly double the then size of the US)

INTERDISCIPLINARY TIME◦ Calculate the cost per square mile for homework!

IV. The Deal

Reasons why we probably ripped of Napoleon:

-Unexplored, unspeculated land

-Gained access to Mississippi River

-France was REALLY desparate

IV. The Deal

The DemReps thought Jefferson violated the Constitution

Homework: Why do you think the DemReps viewed Jefferson’s acquisition of New France as unconstitutional?

Hint: DO RESEARCH!

V. The Debate

Overcrowding in Northeast settled

Begins the era of Manifest Destiny◦ Lewis and Clark Expedition

Brings U.S. into conflict with Britain and Mexico

Brings U.S. into conflict with the Natives

Brings the slavery question to the forefront

VI. Impact

For Natives, the Louisiana Purchase is devastating

It gives the U.S. territory to keep pushing the Natives west

Natives must soon assimilate or fight

VI. Impact