Module 3 - The Formative Years of the New Nation, 1820-1860The Louisiana PurchaseThe Louisiana Purchase was the largest land transaction for the United States and the most important event of President Jefferson's presidency. Jefferson arranged to purchase the land from Napoleon for $11,250,000 in 1803. This territory lay between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. Purchasing this land greatly increased the economic resources of the United States and proved that Jefferson had expansionist dreams by doubling the size of the United States. Jefferson believed that the republic should be controlled by ambitious, independent, property-owning farmers, who would provide the incorruptible foundation of democracy (LaFeber 179). In order to realize its vision, the country needed more land. The Constitution did not authorize the acquisition of land, but provided for the making of treaties, so Jefferson believed that the acquisition of new territory was constitutional, with one amendment. He had mixed feelings on this issue and warned that American freedom would be threatened if the Constitution was distorted (LeFeber 181). He was not willing to pass up the opportunity to expand the United States. The purchase of Louisiana from France had long been a pet project of Mr. Jefferson. He considered it essential to move away from the United States a source of continuing conflict with European holders of ...