Reasons that Thomas Jefferson was eager to buy the Louisiana Territory?

Answer 1

Thomas Jefferson was eager to buy the Louisiana Territory because of the seaport at New Orleans. The Mississippi River was very important at that time in 1803 because of the shipping industry.

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson was a firm believer of Manifest Destiny, which stated that the United States would span from the east coast to the west coast of North America. The Louisiana Territory was a substantial piece of land being offered at a very low price by the French. Jefferson could not pass up the opportunity and went ahead with the Louisiana Purchase. They also gained control of the Mississippi River.

Answer 3

He initially only wanted to buy New Orleans, to ensure safe transportation of commerce on the Mississippi River, which along with the Ohio marked the US frontier at the time..