THE WEST IN 1800• 3 European countries

claimed land on the west coast• Spain – California from San

Diego to San Francisco• Russia – Along the coast to

Alaska• Britain – claimed land in

the region north of the 42° parallel

• France took Louisiana back from Spain in 1800• Spain had closed the port

of New Orleans to Americans

• Ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte• Wants to colonize American territory

• Defeated in the West Indies and unable to invade North America

• To avoid hostilities, Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans because Spain had not let us trade

• France offered to sell all of Louisiana Territory

• Jefferson was torn by his personal beliefs versus what could help the country

Louisiana Territory purchased from

FranceTreaty

ratified in 1803

Constitution said nothing about acquiring new territory

Jefferson knew it was important to explore and know the land and get there first to claim

bordersAsked Congress for $2,500 to fund a westward expedition

Contracted Meriwether Lewis to lead

He chose friend William Clark to co-

lead it

Lewis & Clark brought on Sacagawea as a

guide

Doubled the size of the U.S.A.

CostCost less than 5 cents/acre= less than 5 cents/acre= $15 million$15 million

Answer below your notes (complete Answer below your notes (complete sentences mean you do not need to sentences mean you do not need to

write the question)write the question)► What do you think Jefferson knew What do you think Jefferson knew

about western lands?about western lands?

► What area do you think Jefferson What area do you think Jefferson knew the least about? Why?knew the least about? Why?

► Who, if anyone, had more or Who, if anyone, had more or different information about those different information about those areas?areas?

► Why was it important for Jefferson to Why was it important for Jefferson to learn things about this land?learn things about this land?

Underneath the questionsUnderneath the questions

► Create a list of 8 – 10 things Jefferson Create a list of 8 – 10 things Jefferson might have wanted Lewis and Clark to might have wanted Lewis and Clark to accomplishaccomplish