The American victory in the Revolutionary War left the U.S. in possession of all the land running west to the Mississippi River and south almost to Florida—but the rest was held by the Spanish, still a mighty power in the Americas. By 1802, control of New Orleans had become of vital importance to American trade, so in 1803 when France acquired it from Spain as part of the Louisiana Territory, President Jefferson moved swiftly to make an offer to buy it. This program covers the amazing purchase, in which Napoleon, to finance his wars, sold not only the port but the entire Territory for a pittance. Also discussed are Jefferson’s subsequent effort to wrest from Spain the area called West Florida, which was a threat to the security of New Orleans, and the Lewis and Clark expedition. For the astounding price of mere pennies per acre, the United States doubled its size. (20 minutes)