The year 1803 significantly changed our nation forever. This stunned many people. In no way, shape or form did we believe that our nation would grow so quickly. What began with the small purchase of New Orleans led to the substantial purchase of the Louisiana Territory. It is a purchase that will make Thomas Jefferson an unforgettable man. Although he is not the only man to have an impact on the United States during this period. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are the two men best known for their expedition through the Louisiana Territory. These two issues, the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, significantly changed our nation. The Louisiana Purchase was a surprise that neither Thomas Jefferson nor anyone else had ever dreamed of. It all began when Thomas Jefferson sent two men, James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston, to Paris to negotiate the acquisition of New Orleans with the government of the feared Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon had aroused fears once France acquired Louisiana from the Spanish. Concerned by French intentions, Thomas Jefferson took immediate action and sent his two men to negotiate. The negotiation did not go as planned at all. We asked to buy New Orleans, but Napoleon offered the entire Louisiana Territory. Apparently, Napoleon had little use for Louisiana. Nor could he spare troops to defend the enormous territory. Above all, Napoleon needed funds to be able to support his military projects in Europe. This led to the heady period of April 1803, when Napoleon offered to sell Louisiana to the United States. The main reason Thomas Jefferson sent James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston to negotiate was because we were... middle of paper. .....many Americans have undoubtedly had an immense impact on our nation. Thomas Jefferson was primarily responsible for the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. This treaty doubled the physical size of the United States. This also ensured that we would have access to major waterways for transporting supplies. The Lewis and Clark Expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark is the reason we have so much information about our country and its people. These three men will forever be famous historical figures in our American history. The impact of their actions on America as we know it will be passed down to all generations to come. Works Cited1) http://www.gatewayno.com/history/LaPurchase.html2) http://americanhistory.about.com /od/thomasjefferson/a/tj_lapurchase.htm3) http://www.lewisclark.net/4 ) http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/lewis-clark/