napoleon
A New American Diplomat
Introduction
The opening of the new century saw key figures in America and Europe impacting the future of Louisiana.
Important simultaneous events in America and Europe were crucial in changing the destiny of the Mississippi River region.
The French Revolution (1789-1799)
Significance: Marked a pivotal conflict that would alter French authority and control, including Louisiana.
Duration: Lasted for a decade.
End Result: The monarchy was dismantled, and a powerful civilian government arose, leading to future political upheavals.
New Leadership in France
The Directory: An inefficient five-man committee that faced rising unpopularity leading to a military coup.
Napoleon Bonaparte: A general from Corsica led the coup in 1799 to stabilize France.
Background:
Came into power as a military leader during the fighting against European adversaries.
Sought control of Europe and simultaneously had aims on North America.
By 1801, he was poised to control significant parts of Europe, having defeated key rivals like the Austrians.
Talleyrand and His Role
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord: A corrupt yet influential politician and diplomat, older than Bonaparte, important in regaining French control in Louisiana post-Seven Years' War.
Claimed to make a fortune upon becoming the foreign minister (1797-1799).
Demanded bribes from American diplomats which led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and France, including the undeclared naval war with President Adams.
His views on American capabilities were dismissive; he aimed to limit U.S. expansion across North America.
Attempts to Re-establish French Power in Louisiana
Talleyrand's ambitions included regaining Louisiana, essential for curtailing U.S. power.
Spanish Interest: Spain showed interest in selling Louisiana to France circa 1796, but the French found the price too high.
Post-Bonaparte's rise (1800), he secured French control of Louisiana through military influence and negotiations with Spain.
The Transfer of Louisiana: The Second Treaty of San Ildefonso (1800)
In late July 1800, negotiations led to the French receiving Louisiana from Spain in exchange for concessions regarding Italy.
Details of the treaty's execution were kept from the Americans until after the fact, signifying France's strategic maneuvering.
Territorial Redefinition: Bonaparte included western Florida in the definition of Louisiana, expanding France's claim.
Response in America
Robert Livingston: A New York diplomat who was deeply concerned about the transfer of Louisiana from Spain to France.
His Background:
From a prominent New York family with significant land claims and political connections.
Active in supporting American independence and the early governance of the U.S.
Livingston was dispatched to Paris with dual missions:
To negotiate for compensation regarding shipping issues with France.
To investigate and dissuade France from assuming control over Louisiana without causing diplomatic fallout.
Livingston’s Mission to Paris (1801)
After departing onboard the USS Boston, Livingston faced numerous personal challenges and elaborate preparations for the diplomatic mission; he took his family and an extensive entourage.
Arrival in France: Encounter with various notable figures like Marquis de Lafayette and François Barbé-Marbois, which eased his initial interactions with French leadership.
Meeting Napoleon: Livingston quickly grasped the reality of the French hold on Louisiana during his immediate meeting with Bonaparte and Talleyrand.
Bonaparte's remark about the corruption of the world implied a strategic warning to Livingston, hinting that diplomacy in France would be fraught with moral compromises.
Livingston adapted his mission swiftly
by redirecting his focus towards clarifying Bonaparte’s plans for Louisiana and the Mississippi region.