In 20th October 1803, there was the ratification of a treaty by the Senate with France, where through the leadership of President Thomas Jefferson, United States acquired a territory that was twice the size of the then United States. The deal cost was fifteen million dollars although Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe had to negotiate from twenty two million dollars. Initially, they intended to purchase New Orleans only to realize that the French were willing to sell Louisiana as a whole. The territory is located in a strategic position, and therefore it was quite valuable. The opposition raised against President Jefferson where the federalist did not find that decision constitutional. Jefferson then decided to amend the constitution extending the rights to buy national property to the government.
Firstly, New Orleans was known for the importance of a shipment of agricultural products around the areas west of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. It was a strategic place to store goods during export and a place for trade. Growth in trade was experienced in the western territories. Secondly, Louisiana was mainly occupied by the French, Americans knew that it would be difficult to have the French as neighbors, therefore, it would be better if they bought off the land in pieces. Due to its strategic positioning, good neighbors were important, and according to the Americans, French were not suitable. Thirdly, as discussed earlier, Jefferson was determined to get the territory for he saw its long-term advantage. Despite the fact that he faced opposition due to the constitution, he ensured that an amendment was done to achieve his intended goal. Jefferson believed that he was like a guardian who invested the money of his son in buying a nice territory only to tell him when he is of age that he did it for his own good.
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