The Louisiana Purchase

We trace how a bid for New Orleans became a continental purchase while we test Jefferson’s strict constitutional views against Madison’s steadier reading of treaty and territorial powers. Europe’s wars, Haiti’s revolt, Federalist fears, and the limits of necessity drive the story.• European conflict and the return of Louisiana to France• Jefferson’s alarm over New Orleans and river trade• Haiti’s revolt wrecking Napoleon’s North American plans• The surprise offer of the entire Louisiana territory• Federalist worries about power dilution and culture• Financing the deal and Gallatin’s role• Jefferson’s strict view versus treaty power tradition• Madison and Gallatin arguing the Constitution permits acquisition• The danger of necessity trumping constitutional limits• Lasting lessons for constitutionalism and statecraft Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!School of Civic and Economic Thought and LeadershipCenter for American Civics