most western settlers were farmers they grew crops by the Mississippi river they shipped crops to new Orleans. Spain controlled the Mississippi river had threaten to close the ports to prevent shipping.

in 1802 the Spanish governor of Louisiana withdrew the right of americans to ship their goods through new Orleans. people in the west were mad. They wanted Thomas Jefferson to have war to win back the mississippi river and the land.

Thomas Jefferson decided to but new Orleans from the French napoleon sold new orleans and also the who louisiana territory for money for the war he offered 15 million about 4 cents an acre.

Jefferson was excited but at the same time concerned about the constitution no having the power to purchase such big land from a foreign country. but they approved and signed the treaty to buy the land.

in 1803 even before united states even bought the Louisiana convinced to spend 2,500 on the sending people to explore . he chose Meriwether Lewis to lead. and William Clark to help too.

he wanted them to find a passage way to the pacific ocean

in the spring of 1804 Lewis Clark left to st. louis and head up to the Mississippi river. Their three boats has tons of supplies and 40 men