Greenland, Canada, Mexico Gulf, Panama Canal – President Donald Trump wants to buy everything in power. But what can be purchased if you want to buy the terrain or water border of another country? Now maybe not. However, there are many examples of such shopping two hundred years ago.
The Louisiana region is an example. On this day of the 5th (April 7), the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France proposed to sell the huge area of 1 lakh 20 thousand square kilometers for only $ 1.5 billion. The historic decision of Napoleon doubled the US volume. Not only the expansion of the territory, it has also played an important role in the expansion of the US economy.
There was a long war between France, Britain and other European forces from 1 to 5. France handed over the Louisiana region to Spain under the 12th Fontainbu Agreement at the end of the war. Later in the early nineteenth century, Napoleon returned the ownership of Louisiana from Spain with an agreement called San Elephnefanceo.
Napoleon Bonapart was then dreaming of establishing a French Empire in North America. But the plans failed in the intense economic pressure created by the French forces in Haiti's slave uprising, war with Britain and the cost of war. In such a situation, selling Louziana to Napoleon seems to be a realistic decision.
Meanwhile, the then US President Tomas Jefferson wanted to buy New Orleans and its surrounding area to ensure free transport of goods through the Mississippi River. For that purpose, he sent special envoy James Monroe and lawyer Robert Livingstone to Paris. But at the discussion table, they received an unprecedented proposal – not just Orleins, but Napoleon wants to sell the whole Louisiani. The US delegation agreed to the immediate agreement without hesitation. They did not want to miss the opportunity to buy such a huge territory in just $ 1 million (1.5 billion).
According to the agreement, the United States paid $ 9.25 million in cash. Washington repaid after the remaining $ 9.5 million debt. The price per acre of land as one and a half million dollars falls only three cents, which is only 5 cents at today's price! The agreement was officially signed on 7 April. This is the most tactical and profitable purchase in US history.
The current Louiziana, Mizouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, Minnesota (partial), New Mexico, Mantana, Yoming, Colorado, are then Louisiana. This area extends from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
This purchase was not only a geographical expansion, but also a strategic victory. Full control of the Mississippi River, ensuring the use of New Orleans port and free expansion in the western region gives the United States the opportunity. As a result, the Lewis and Clark Expeditions began – which played a role in the future settlement of the new terrain.
However, there were some controversial aspects of this decision. The power to buy such land in the Constitution is not given to the President or the provisions related to this related are not clear. In addition, the question of the rights and preservation of the indigenous people also arose in a new discussion. Yet this decision was a breakthrough for the future of the United States. President Tomas Jefferson was a strictly known politician who followed the constitution. However, he accepted the purchase for the greater interest of the country.
For France, the decision to sell a large terrain at water prices was a step to be forced to be forced. Money was needed to meet European war expenses, and Napoleon did not have any special significance to Napoleon as the plan to build an empire in the United States failed. On the other hand, the United States exploits this opportunity and buys not just a terrain, but also the possibility of the future.
According to many, the purchase of Louisiana is a historic moment – where there is a wonderful meeting of diplomacy, foresight and courage. It not only changed the US map, but also strengthened Americans' identity.
