The Louisiana Purchase Timeline

Spanish Louisiana

Jan 1, 1763

France gave Louisiana to Spain.

The Louisiana Purchase Timeline

Period: Jan 1, 1763 to Jan 1, 1803

France takes back Louisiana

Mar 1, 1801

Napoleon (King of France) wanted a French empire in North America. So, under pressure, Spain returned Louisiana to France. Federalists in the United States were alarmed that France now owned Louisiana. Thomas Jefferson (a Democratic-Repulican) sent Robert R. Livingston, the U.S. minister to France to attempt to buy New Orleans.

James Monroe is Sent to France

Jan 1, 1803

U.S. sent James Monroe to join and help Robert R. Livingston and try to buy New Orleans and West Florida from France

$15 Million Dollars Later

Mar 1, 1803

Napoleon gave up his dream of an American empire because he was overwhelmed by the slave revolt in Haiti and also wanted to go to war with Britain. The French offered Livingston and Monroe all of Louisiana (not just New Orleans). Livingston and Monroe signed a treaty. For roughly $15 million, the U.S. acquired some 828,000 square miles of land, doubling the national territory of the United States.

Senate Approves

Oct 1, 1803

The Senate ratified the treaty and in December the United States
acquired the Louisiana Purchase.