Negotiating the Purchase

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the intricate negotiations and underlying concerns that preceded the Louisiana Purchase. The questions explore the apprehensions of Americans, particularly Southerners, about a potential French invasion in 1801. The worksheet also delves into the interactions between President Thomas Jefferson and the Federalists regarding these concerns. Furthermore, it touches on the broader international context, particularly the conflict between Napoleon and Louverture over Saint-Domingue, and the role of key individuals like Pierre Samuel du Pont in the purchase negotiations.

The worksheet is designed to impart a deeper understanding of the diplomatic, political, and social intricacies that surrounded the Louisiana Purchase. Students are encouraged to appreciate that major historical events, like this land acquisition, are often products of extensive negotiations and are influenced by both domestic and international factors. By investigating the specific fears, stances, and roles of various parties involved, learners can develop a holistic view of the circumstances that led to the purchase. The worksheet underscores the importance of nuanced perspectives in understanding historical events, emphasizing that they are seldom straightforward and often involve multiple layers of considerations and actors.