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Hello its KT news, im kristina and im taylor. todays focus is expanding the nation, the lewis and clark expedition and pikes exploration. 1.) Napoleon and Louisiana- Napoleon Bonaparte, controller of France, always had dreams of rebuilding France’s empire in North America. He is hoping that by occupying Louisiana the French will replace the Spanish as the key European power in western North America but, holding him back is the enslaved Africans that have risen and overthrown the local government. Before occupying Louisiana he wants to regain control over the island so he sent a French army to recapture Saint Domingue. Surprisingly the troops fought back successfully, and Napoleon’s dream of rebuilding the French empire failed. 2.) The Mississippi Region- When U.S. leaders became aware of France regaining ownership of Louisiana they start watching Napoleon’s actions suspiciously. President Jefferson knows that the French occupying Louisiana could block future expansion of the United States, and also interfere with trade along the Mississippi River. New Orleans, founded by the French in 1718, became under Spanish rule in 1762.Forty years later the French control New Orleans and now there is a variety of languages including, African, American Indian, English, French, and Spanish. Article #3- Purchasing the territory and the surprising offer. President Jefferson wanted to keep the French from controlling New Orleans, But did not want to start a war. He hoped that the untied states would be able to buy the port city from France to solve the problem peacefully. Jefferson instructed Robert Livingston to purchase New Orleans as well as Florida from the French government. Americans realized that the French were offering to sell all of Louisiana. Instead of land he couldn’t protect he wanted money to buy supplies for the armies in Europe. Congress had only authorized the U.S. to spend $10 million. The U.S ended in an agreement to buy Louisiana from France for $15 million. The tread was recently signed on May 2nd, 1803. Article #4- Expanding the Nation. Page 300 When President Jefferson learned about francs offer to sell all of Louisiana he understood the great enthusiasm of Livingston and Monroe. On October 20, 1803 the senate approved the treaty with France and made the Louisiana Purchase official. This purchase doubled the size of the untied states. In 1804 historian David Ramsay wrote “such important benefits at so moderate a price and under such favorable circumstance the acquisition of Louisiana is the greatest political blessing ever conferred on these states” President Jefferson was pleased that the land offered such agricultural expansion. He said proudly that the Louisiana purchase “expanded the expire of liberty and provided a widespread field for the blessing of freedom.”

5.) The Lewis and Clark expedition & Preparations- Jefferson wants to send an expedition of explorers west of the Mississippi River. President Jefferson convinced congress to fund a small western expedition. To lead this expedition he chose Meriwether Lewis. Lewis chose William Clark as co-leader of the expedition. They were told to go to the Missouri River and establish peaceful relations with American Indians. The president also asked them to study the soil and face of the country, its growth and vegetable productions, the animals of the country, the mineral priductions or every kind, and the climate. Lewis and Clark carefully selected the members, filling the group with frontiersmen.  6.) Crossing the Plains- Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri River to the lands of the Mandan and Sue. Each time the expedition encountered a new tribe they tried to appear confident and powerful to the leaders even though they depended on them a great deal. The most important help came from Sahca-ga-way-uh, the wife of a French fur trader who lived in the Mandan camp. She offered to help Lewis and Clark as they crossed the Great Plains. Lewis and Clark kept journals that revealed dangers of the journey, including sickness, conflicts with Indians, raging rivers, steep mountains, and terrible storms.

Article #7- To Pacific and Back. When Lewis and Clark crossed the plains they came to the Rocky Mountains. Luckily they met the shoaoni who lived in the area. They provide horses and a guide to lead them across the mountains. They left the Rocky Mountains behind and followed the Columbian river it where it emptied in the pacific. Along the way they encountered the Nez Perce Indians. They also provide them with food and horses to continue the journey. Lewis and Clark set out on the long trip home. The party arrives by canoe in st. Louis. They didnt discover a river route across the west to the Pacific Ocean but Louis and Clark provided useful information on western lands and paths across the Rockies, established contact with many Indian tribes and a collected a great deal of valuable scientific information in plants and animals. Article #8- Pikes Exploration. while Lewis and Clark are traveling across the west Zebulon pike, a younge army officer was sent on another exploration. He was ordered to find the starting point of the red river. Pike may also have instructions to spy on Spanish outposts and forts in the southwest. Pike leads his expedition to the Rocky Mountains where he tried to climb the mountains. Pike passed into the Spanish held lands, but still continued to explore. Then a group of Spanish celery arrested him. The Spanish suspected him of being a spy and imprisoned him. When he finally got out he came back for the United States to share his expeiriences.