What If The U.S. Hadn't Bought Louisiana?

Summary

This video explores the history of Louisiana, from its French origins and eventual sale to the U.S. under Napoleon in 1803, to a hypothetical scenario where the U.S. never bought Louisiana. The video dives into how this could have impacted the U.S., France, and neighboring regions like Mexico and Canada, as well as the fate of Native Americans. It considers alternate histories, such as a divided U.S., a more powerful Mexico, or independent nations in the American West. The video emphasizes how crucial the Louisiana Purchase was in shaping global history.

Takeaways

• 🌎 Louisiana is the 31st largest state in the U.S., covering 135,000 square kilometers, with New Orleans as its largest city.
• 👑 The state was named after King Louis XIV of France and was part of a much larger French colonial territory in North America.
• 🇫🇷 From 1682 to 1803, Louisiana was controlled by France, with Spain holding it briefly during this period before France regained control under Napoleon.
• 💰 In 1803, Napoleon sold the entire Louisiana Territory to the U.S. for $15 million, which doubled the size of the country.
• 🇺🇸 President Thomas Jefferson initially only wanted to buy New Orleans for access to the Mississippi River but ended up acquiring the entire territory at a bargain.
• 🛠 The purchase opened the path for U.S. westward expansion and solidified American control over strategic trade routes along the Mississippi River.
• 💥 If the Louisiana Purchase hadn’t occurred, the U.S. might have been territorially separated, and independent nations could have emerged in areas like California and Texas.
• 🤝 France had historically better relations with Native Americans than other colonial powers, possibly leading to better outcomes for native populations if they had retained control.
• 📜 Hypothetically, Louisiana could have become an independent nation, keeping its French colonial identity, and may have had a significant influence on trade and regional power.
• 🌍 The Louisiana Purchase was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, enabling its growth into a global superpower and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of North America.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Louisiana's name?

Louisiana was named after King Louis XIV of France. It was part of a much larger French colonial territory that included a significant portion of North America.

How large was the original Louisiana Territory under French control?

The Louisiana Territory, under French control, covered about one-third of what is today the United States and stretched into 15 U.S. states and even two Canadian provinces.

Why did Napoleon decide to sell Louisiana to the United States?

Napoleon decided to sell Louisiana due to France's failure to suppress a revolt in Haiti and the prospect of a new war with Britain, making the territory less valuable to retain. He also wanted to avoid conflict with the U.S.

How much did the U.S. pay for the Louisiana Territory?

The U.S. paid $15 million for the Louisiana Territory, which equated to less than 3 cents per acre at the time.

How did the Louisiana Purchase impact the size of the United States?

The Louisiana Purchase more than doubled the size of the United States, enabling significant westward expansion.

What might have happened if France had not sold Louisiana to the U.S.?

If France had not sold Louisiana, the U.S. might have sought alternative ways to acquire the territory, possibly through war or diplomatic efforts, and the region could have become a separate nation or been absorbed by another power like Britain or Mexico.

How might the Louisiana Purchase have affected Native American populations?

Without the U.S. acquiring Louisiana, Native American populations might have avoided some of the displacement and destruction that came with U.S. westward expansion, potentially preserving more of their lands, cultures, and identities.

What was the primary goal of the U.S. in purchasing Louisiana?

The primary goal of the U.S. was to gain control of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans to ensure free transit for goods and trade.

What economic advantages did the Louisiana Purchase offer to the U.S.?

The purchase provided control of major river basins like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas Rivers, creating significant trade opportunities and allowing for further westward settlement and expansion.

How could the hypothetical scenario of an independent Louisiana affect the U.S. and North America?

An independent Louisiana might have split the U.S. in two, preventing it from becoming a superpower. It could have also altered the political landscape of North America, potentially leading to independent states like Texas, California, or even stronger Mexican influence.