Why was the Louisiana purchase made?

Answer 1

The Lousiana Purchase (1803) was made because Napoleon was in desperate need of money to help fuel the war that was occurring with mainly Britain, but also the other European nations, as he was attempting to build his Empire. Because he also did not want to focus on the colonies and place all of his attention on the situation that was occurring in Europe. He offered to sell it quickly for $15 million dollars. He also saw the chance to impede the British colonial efforts by selling to their rival, the fledgling US.

President Thomas Jefferson was trying to negotiate the purchase of the port of New Orleans, to ensure that US commerce on the Mississippi River would not be impeded. He was prepared to offer $10 million for the city, but Napoleon's representative offered the whole of French claims to La Louisiane, the entire western Mississippi Valley, for just $5 million more.

Answer 2

The Louisiana Purchase was made by the United States in 1803 to acquire a large territory from France. This was primarily done because President Thomas Jefferson wanted to secure access to the port of New Orleans and control over the Mississippi River, which were crucial for American trade and westward expansion. Furthermore, the purchase also presented an opportunity to double the size of the United States and secure its western frontier.