Ch. 8-2 notes: Louisiana Purchase

Settlers in these states depended on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to move their products to eastern markets

President Jefferson wanted to keep trade open so he asked U. S. Ambassador to Frace, Robert Livingston, and James Monre to buy New Orleans.

France was led by Napoleon Bonaparte, a powerful ruler who had conquered most of Europe and wanted to rebuild France's empire in North America.

On Oct. 20, 1803, the Senate approved the Louisiana Purchase agreement, which roughly doubled the size of the U.S.

He also wanted to see if there was a river route that could be taken to the Pacific Ocean.

To lead the Expidition, Jefferson chose his personal secretary and former army captain Meriwether Lewis. Lewis then chose his friend Loeutenant William Clark to be co-leader of the expedition. William Clark brought his slave and childhood friend, York. Another name for the Lewis and Clark Expedition was the Corps of Discovery.

Sacagawea, a Shoshone from the Rocky Mts. accompanied the group with her husband, a fur trader and served as a guide and translator.

Lewis and Clark had not found a river route. across the West to the Pacific Ocean. They learned much about the western lands and paths across the Rockies. They established contact with many Native American groups and collected much valuable information about western plants and animals.

In 1806, a young army officer named Zebulon Pike was sent on another mission to the West. He was ordered to find the starting point of the Red River.

The 3 most important effects of the Louisiana Purchase; Doubled the size of the U.S.- more land for Settlers. Natural resources- helped support agriculture. Lewis and Clark - learned about information on western plants and animals.