Conflict and Compromise
For the President Thomas Jefferson it was a tactful and an economical achievement.
The purchase of Louisiana ended the threat of war with France and opened up the land west of the Mississippi for settlement.
Jefferson offered Napoleon two million for a small piece of land on the lower Mississippi.
The Americans could build their own seaport for trade.
Jefferson was impatient at the lack of news so he sent James Monroe to Paris to offer ten million for New Orleans and West of Florida.
About the same time France offered all of Louisiana to Livingston for 15 million.
Jefferson quickly sealed the deal those that oppose the idea did not help provide for the Territory.
Jefferson told his supporters in Congress that “What is practicable must often control what is pure theory.” The majority of the crowd agreed to him.