answersLogoWhite

0

Napoleon wanted to expand his empire into the western hemisphere. What would become Haiti and the Dominican Republic were key to this goal because they produced sugar, coffee, and other foodstuffs, and were France's most lucrative colonies.

The only successful slave revolt in history, the uprising led by Toussaint L'Ouverture in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) threatened to end Napoleon's plans for western empire. He initially sent 20,000 soldiers to end the rebellion, but the former slaves were well-organized and resolute, and by the end of 1802 France had lost as many as 55,000 men, both at the hands of the former slaves, and to yellow fever.

New Orleans had been key to Napoleon's plan to trade with North America. With the defeat in the carribean colonies, Napoleon abandoned his plans for the Western Hemisphere, and New Orleans became far less important. Further, he needed funds to fight Britain. Thus, the sale of New Orleans and other French territory in North America made sense.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?