Why did France offer the Louisiana Purchase to the US?

Answer 1

At the beginning of the 19th century, France had owned the territory now know as the Louisiana Territory. Napoleon was the emperor of France and was planning his campaigns to conquer all of Europe. His army was strong, but his navy could not compete with the British navy. Since France owned New Orleans and a vast territory that was the same size of the existing USA, he did not believe he could defend it against the British. The USA, however, would be staunch defenders of New Orleans and its vast Louisiana Territory. Napoleon did not want his rivals, the British, to control the city and its vast territory.

Over the objections of his brothers, Napoleon believed his ministers could make a deal with US President Jefferson and his representatives in Paris.

The real estate deal known as the Louisiana Purchase was arranged in 1803. At only 3 cents per acre, the US doubled its size and now stretched from New Orleans all the way to the vast western frontiers.

Answer 2

It needed funds to continue its war in Europe. Napoleon was trying to fight several European nations at once.

Answer 3

He needed the money to conduct his European wars.

Answer 4

He needed money to pay for wars