After the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte became the leader of
the battered country. Among other things, he envisioned the reestablishment
of a new colonial presence in the New World, something that had been
lost at the end of the French and Indian War (1754- 1763), one of four
major colonial
wars. When it became apparent that France was not in a position
to afford such a grand undertaking, he opted to sell it to the most
logical interested party: the United States. It must also be remembered
that what comprised the Louisiana Territory was frequently under different
nations' control over just the previous decade or two.
France, for instance, had first possessed Louisiana by exploratory claim,
then lost it to the English. Spain later obtained control of it, but
then ceded it to the French for considerations on the European mainland.
When the United States contacted France about the purchase of New Orleans–essential
if the trans-Appalachian states were to thrive–Napoleon’s
representatives instead offered all of the Territory. Although controversial,
Jefferson quickly agreed and more than doubled the size of the United
States in the process. The purchase also solidified America’s
place as a growing power and challenge to the British, something Napoleon
was doubtless aware of and encouraged.
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