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They didn't say. The delegation sent to France was authorized to pay up to ten million dollars for New Orleans and the surrounding territory; they were flabbergasted when offered the opportunity to buy the entire territory for fifteen million.

There are several factors that probably contributed to France's decision. They were trying to get out of the New World Empire business at the time; they'd just lost Haiti, and Napoleon sensibly thought he could get more "bang for his buck" by concentrating on Europe instead of worrying about vast tracts of largely uninhabited (by Europeans) land in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the territory claimed by France was also claimed by Spain; selling it let Napoleon wash his hands of that particular can of worms.

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13y ago
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7y ago

More specifically then "France" it was the emperor Napoleon who offered to President Thomas Jefferson the purchase of the Louisiana Territory which included the large city of New Orleans. Not only did Napoleon want the funds from the sale, but strategically, Louisiana was a liability or Napoleon. His navy was not as strong as that of Great Britain. Trying to defend New Orleans from an attack and capture by England, he chose the best thing. By having the Americans own Louisiana, there was little chance that Britain could capture it and use it as a base of operations.

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7y ago

Napoleon needed money. He was fighting a war and wars are expensive.

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Q: Why did France offer the sale of the Louisiana territory?
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Did France sell the Louisiana Territory to the US in 1803?

YES. The sale of the Louisiana Territory was concluded between Napoleon and Jefferson.


Who did the US acquire the Louisiana territory from?

The Louisiana purchase was between the U.S. and France. The French leader was Napolean. In order to fund his ongoing wars in Europe, Napolean needed cash. The sale of the Lousiana territory was seen as a way to further the Napoleonic wars.


Who owned The Louisiana Purchase before it was sold to the US?

The Louisiana Territory belonged to France. Its sale to the United States was done under the auspices of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was emperor of France in 1803.


What country sold the Louisiana US?

The US bought it from France, which was then headed by Napoleon Bonaparte.France.Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803Napoleon, Emperor of France , made the sell.FranceNapoleon Bonaparte, the ruler of France15 million 1From France in 1803. Napoleon had problems in Haiti, hostilities with England, debt, an Invasion of England Fleet to build which meant further debt, and decided to insult the English by backing away from new world claims with a clean Bill of Sale to the US.I believe the French sold the Louisiana Territory to the U.SNapoleon BonoparteFrance sold the Louisiana Territory to the United StatesFranceNapoleon that sold Louisiana to the US.James Madison secretery called George WashingtonThe Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France.napolen bonaparte


What two countries were involved in the sale of The Louisiana Purchase?

Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon, James Madison, France and United states

Related questions

Did France sell the Louisiana Territory to the US in 1803?

YES. The sale of the Louisiana Territory was concluded between Napoleon and Jefferson.


What acquisition nearly doubled the size of the US?

The Louisiana purchase from France in 1803 doubled the territorial size of the US. Napoleon offered for sale the huge territory called the Louisiana Territory.


Brought nearly 500000 additional square miles of land to America?

The Louisiana purchase from France in 1803 doubled the territorial size of the US. Napoleon offered for sale the huge territory called the Louisiana Territory.


Who did the US acquire the Louisiana territory from?

The Louisiana purchase was between the U.S. and France. The French leader was Napolean. In order to fund his ongoing wars in Europe, Napolean needed cash. The sale of the Lousiana territory was seen as a way to further the Napoleonic wars.


Who owned The Louisiana Purchase before it was sold to the US?

The Louisiana Territory belonged to France. Its sale to the United States was done under the auspices of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was emperor of France in 1803.


Where did the sale of Louisiana take place?

Washington DC and in France.


Who informed United States diplomats that the Louisiana Territory was for sale?

Lewis and Clark


Who informed American diploment that the Louisiana territory was for sale?

Charles De Talleyrand


Who informed American diplomat that the Louisiana territory was for sale?

Charles de Talleyrand


Who informed the American diplomats that the Louisiana territory for sale?

Charles de Talleyrand


Who sold the Louisianna Territory?

France then ruled by Napolean made the sale.


What did Napoleon Bonaparte hope the US would become with he sale of Louisiana Territory?

A permanent enemy of the UK.