The Louisiana Purchase Treaty

“We have lived long, but this is the noblest work of our whole lives. From this day the United States take their place among the powers of the first rank.”

—Robert Livingston, May 2, 1803

“This accession of territory affirms forever the power of the United States."

—Napoleon, after the Louisiana Purchase treaty was signed, 1803

After two years of negotiations with France, U.S. delegates Robert Livingston and James Monroe signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in Paris to take effect on April 30, 1803. The U.S. had not only successfully negotiated with one of the most powerful European countries, it had added a significant amount of land that would be ruled by its laws.

Watch this video to see just how significant the purchase of the Louisiana territory was for the United States. Why was it considered such a bargain?

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Take Notes

Why was the Louisiana Purchase considered such a bargain?