r could have been avoided, or at least, shortened.II.If I had to choose only three events from our history as a nation, I would choose that which defines us the most. The Louisiana Purchase, because it was the single event that more then doubled the size of our nation. The mistreatment of the Indians, some would say that still goes on today. And of course, lets not forget the freedom of African Americans. These three moments in time, stand out from the many as our deciding points in history. Each of these was a make-or-break situation for the United States. Thomas Jefferson was one of the single people that made the Louisiana Purchase possible. Jefferson became president on March 4th, 1801, and was the first president to serve in the white house in our nations capital. Jeffersons diplomacy strongly supported less government intervention. He was able to boost his popularity before the 1804 election with the Louisiana Purchase. Not only did he double the size of the U.S., but he was also able to obtain land for the farming community. The Louisiana Purchase had cost the U.S. only $15 million. It was stated that the United States would recognize that all French citizens that had claims in the territory would be considered American citizens. I feel that Napoleon really had no choice but to sell the land to the U.S. anyway. He had just lost a large battle with Britain, where most of his men were lost. He would not have had the man power to deflect a takeover from the Americas. Another reason is that he was just entering another war with Britain, and needed the money to finance his army. It was just a win or lose situation for him, but a win or win situation for us. This way, we both had won. Along with the headache of exploring this new land, came the task of what to do with the natives of the land....
