Louisiana Purchase through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson
CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE Thomas Jefferson’s Vision 4 CHAPTER TWO The Threat is Real 14 CHAPTER THREE Control of New Orleans 22 CHAPTER FOUR An American Territory 32 Important Dates 42 Stop and Think 44 Glossary 46 Learn More 47 Index 48 About the Author 48
CHAPTER ONE THOMAS JEFFERSON’S VISION Thomas Jefferson had a bold dream for the United States On March 4 1801 he took office as the country’s third president At the age of 57 Jefferson already had a long history as a politician In his first address in the US Capitol in Washington DC Jefferson shared his vision He spoke of a nation spread over a wide and fruitful land traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry J e f f e r s o n h a d s e r v e d a s s t a t e g o v e r n o r f o r e i g n d i p l o m a t secretary of state and vice president before becoming president in 1801 5
