why did napoleon sell the louisiana territory

This left Laussat with little to do but officiate when, on a sunny December 20, 1803, the French tricolor was slowly lowered in New Orleans’ main square, the Placed’Armes, and the American flag was raised. The prospect had been all the more pleasing because the territory’s capital, New Orleans, he had noted with approval, was a city with “a great deal of social life, elegance and goodbreeding.” He also had liked the fact that the city had “all sorts of masters-dancing, music, art, and fencing,” and that even though there were “no book shops or libraries,” books could be ordered from France.īut almost before Laussat had learned to appreciate a good gumbo and the relaxed Creole pace of life, Napoléon Bonaparte had abruptly decided to sell the territory to the United States. Having arrived in New Orleans from Paris with his wife and three daughters just nine months earlier, in March 1803, the cultivated, worldly French functionary had expected to reign for six or eight years as colonial prefect over the vast territory of Louisiana, which was to be France’s North American empire. UNDERSTANDABLY, Pierre Clément de Laussat was saddened by this unexpected turn of events. The undefeated Panthers enter tonight’s game at 14-0 and are considered the. Imhotep Charter out of Philadelphia features a junior tailback who has committed to Georgia, a dual-threat quarterback who is headed to West Point and two defensive players bound for Pitt and Penn State next season. Peters Township tries to keep WPIAL streak alive Decem5 min read

MECHANICSBURG – Steelton-Highspire senior quarterback Alex Erby came into the final game of his high school football career as Pennsylvania’s all-time leader in passing yards (13,227) and touchdowns (170).Įrby, who will head to Annapolis next season to play at Navy, added 340 yards and 5. Steelton-Highspire spoils Fort Cherry’s 1st trip to state final Decem5 min read (AP) - Blake Hinson scored a career-high 29 points, including a school-record nine 3-pointers, to lead Pittsburgh to a 80-63 win over West Virginia on Wednesday night.Ĭarlton Carrington added 16 points and Guillermo Diaz Graham scored 15 as Pitt (6-3) broke a two-game. Hinson sets Pitt 3-point record in win over West Virginia Decem2 min read

Why did napoleon sell the louisiana territory