FRENCH REVOLUTION
FRANCE UNDER NAPOLEON
|
Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
|
|
|
He was afraid the British would be able to take it.
|
|
|
He needed the United States as an ally.
|
|
|
He was forced to by his government.
|
|
|
France had too many overseas possessions.
|
Detailed explanation-1: -Napoleon Bonaparte sold the land because he needed money for the Great French War. The British had re-entered the war and France was losing the Haitian Revolution and could not defend Louisiana.
Detailed explanation-2: -But when Monroe arrived in Europe, Napoleon had already made a decision to sell the territory to the United States, in order to protect other French territories in the Caribbean and to finance his military efforts in Europe.
Detailed explanation-3: -But although the Americans never asked for it, Napoleon dangled the entire territory in front of them on April 11, 1803. A treaty, dated April 30 and signed May 2, was then worked out that gave Louisiana to the United States in exchange for $11.25 million, plus the forgiveness of $3.75 million in French debt .
Detailed explanation-4: -Why did French fear of Great Britain help the United States? France’s coming war with Great Britain and the British naval blockade of France prompted Napoleon to offer Louisiana for sale.