Louisiana Purchase

The Deal

• France was looking to create a new empire in the Americas.

• A successful revolt in French Haiti was proof Napoleon could not have his empire.

• Napoleon now wanted to sell Louisiana and agreed to sell it to the U.S. for only $15 Million Dollars!

French Territory 1802

Who were Lewis and Clark?

Meriwether Lewis• Personal Secretary to Jefferson• Soldier • Explorer• Well versed in scientific study• Governor of Upper Louisiana in

1806• Mysterious death

William Clark

• Strong Military Background• Explorer• Planter/Slaveholder• Expert Map Maker• Governor of Missouri

Territory • York, a slave, accompanied

Clark on expedition

Quick Question

• How did Meriwether Lewis know Thomas Jefferson?

• A) He was his Barber.• B) He was his cousin.• C) He was his secretary.• D) They met on Twitter.

Where did Lewis and Clark Go?

• Lewis and Clark were asked by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the new Louisiana Purchase.

Thomas Jefferson

Missouri River

Columbia River

Quick Question

• What two rivers did Lewis and Clark travel on?

• A) The Mississippi and the Hudson• B) The Nile and the Euphrates • C) The Columbia and the Missouri • D) The Colorado and the Rio Grande

Corps of Discovery

Lewis and Clark were not alone on their journey, but were actually accompanied by a group of 40 men that were experienced outdoors men.

Lewis and Clark also were aided by Native Americans in everything from map making to understanding which plants were safe to eat.

A New Addition

• In 1804, Lewis and Clark meet a French Canadian Trader and his wife, Sacagawea (Shoshone). Sacagawea, a young mother served as translator for the expedition.

A Huge Obstacle

• In 1805, the expedition having arrived in present day Montana met an obstacle of gigantic proportions… the Rocky Mountains!

Almost There…

• Having obtained Horses from Sacajawea's brother, the expedition crossed the Rockies successfully. Now they were not far from their ultimate destination of the Pacific Ocean.

Success!

• They finally reach the Pacific Coast and setup a campsite before returning back to St. Louis in 1806.

By The Numbers

• 178 – Plants discovered and recorded• 122 – Species of animals documented• 28 Month trip, 6 month on the return trip.• About 8,000 miles was covered.• Only 1 person on their expedition died