In 1803, the country got the province of Louisiana from France. The acquisition of Louisiana doubled the country’s territory. The boundaries of this province extended from the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Dakotas in the north; and from the Mississippi in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The fact that this province included the strategic post of New Orleans went in the favor of the U.S. merchants. In 1802, Spain which still had legal possession of New Orleans, decided to withdraw the ’right of deposit’ given to American merchandise by the Pinckney Treaty of 1795. Once again American trade was affected. To solve this crisis, Jefferson sent James Monroe to France. In Paris, Jefferson joined his American counterpart Livingstone. They learnt that Napoleon Bonaparte was planning to sell not only New Orleans but also the entire province of Louisiana. And the price was 60 million Frances, apart from 20 million Frances to settle all American claims against France.

Though, the two envoys had not received any prior instructions they accepted the offer. When the signed document was sent to the U.S. Congress, there were several members who opposed it. But on 20^th October 1803, the Senate ratified the document.

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Table of Contents

4.0 - Chronology of Major Events in this Period
4.1 - The Hamilton Reports
4.2 - About the Constitution
4.3 - Emergence of Political Parties
4.4 - Foreign Affairs
4.5 - The XYZ Affair
4.6 - The Louisiana Purchase
4.7 - The War of1812
4.8 - Points to Remeber

Chapter 5