Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Louisiana Purchase

There were just as many disadvantages to The Louisiana Purchase as there were advantages. The Louisiana territory was a tract of land that covered over 800,000 square miles between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. It was first claimed by the French in 1682. The Mississippi River was the main way that the farmers transported their goods to New Orleans, where it was then shipped to other countries. However, the French made it extremely difficult for the farmers to do this. And if the farmers were able to ship their goods, it was going to cost them.
The main problem with this purchase was going to be how the land was going to be governed if purchased by the United States. This was a question by both the Republican and Democratic …show more content…
This would be a huge asset to the United States and to all the people, including the farmers. At this point, there were numerous decisions that had to be made.
The Americans knew that this land would benefit the nation greatly. The territory was rich in natural resources. There was no question that Thomas Jefferson must make an offer to purchase it. After sending multiple letters to numerous leaders, hoping for the support, he continued to face opposition. He was said to be violating the Constitution. Jefferson still believed that he must act quickly. Here is where the controversy took place.
The Constitution does not give the President the power to incorporate foreign territory into the United States. Therefore, Jefferson did not have the authority to sign a treaty with France to purchase the territory. Many felt that Thomas Jefferson was making up rules as he went along. They did not feel like he was protecting the rights of the people nor of the government. The Unites States would truly benefit from this and the people knew that the territory should belong to the United States, but with a $10 million price tag, citizens were not so sure. After multiple offers and counter offers, the final price was $15 …show more content…
After long hard thoughts, he knew this was the best plan for the United States. The United States would gain a lot of territory and it would also make it easier and cheaper on the farmers to ship their goods to the port. Once the goods arrived to the ports, then they would be shipped out to other countries. Therefore, the farmers would save money on shipping the goods down the Mississippi River and make money on the sale of the goods to other countries. Even though the Jefferson and the United States were still uncertain of how much territory the purchase came with, final negotiations were made. And with a $15 million price tag, the chances would just have to be taken.
This seemed like a win, win situation for the United States, politicians, and all citizens.
Thomas Jefferson set aside his principles because this type of transaction was expressly listed in the Constitution. This would become the largest and greatest real estate deal ever made not only in the United States but in history.
The deal became finalized on December 20, 1803 with the raising of the American flag in New Orleans.
Thomas Jefferson became the most influential president in the history of the United States of America. He had no regrets for the decision that he made to go against what he believed in the Constitution. With the support of the politicians and all people, it was the right one considering the advantages overweigh