An overview
In the san Ildefonso treaty of 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte acquired the territory of Louisiana from Spain. However, he kept this a secret for the next few years since he had ambitions to build a substantial colonial empire in the united states. He failed in his attempt to conquer Saint Domingue and had to withdraw his troops in 1803. soon after, Haiti declared its independence, and napoleon had to give up his desire to become the American emperor.
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The Americans were afraid that they wouldn't be able to settle if napoleon came to power. this is why they were protesting against him. the farmers, on the other hand, did not want napoleon to be the ruler because he would close all ports to American goods and the farmers would not be able to trade their crops in the market.
France faced several international disputes, which was flavorful of the US attempt. Louisiana hardly contributed to the french economy. The battle of Haiti resulted in a massive loss of money and resources. Napoleon reconsidered his plan to establish his colonial capital in Hispaniola. He could not save Louisiana from the constant attacks of the British naval powers. He finally decided to sell the territory of Louisiana to the US.
Bargaining for the Louisiana purchase began on April 11, 1803. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand started to negotiate by questioning the US authorities about what they would give in return for Louisiana. The US agreed to pay 15 million dollars in total. About 3,7 million dollars was covered in claims against the native citizens.
The treaty was ratified in October, and the US flag was hoisted in Louisiana in December of the same year. However, the final boundaries of the state remained unsettled for several years since the Louisiana purchase treaty of 1803 did not declare the edges of the region.
