1783 United States Wins Independence

1. 1783 United States Wins Independence

2. Thirteen Colonies • In 1775, American Patriots in the 13 colonies began fighting for independence from G. Britain. • Later, Spain joined the fight against the British. • The Spanish governor of Louisiana helped us tremendously. • He had victories over the British in the Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana.

3. Louisiana’s Spanish Governor • While Galvez the Spanish Louisiana governor was fighting he requested cattle from Texas to feed his men. • Between 1779 and 1782 Tejanos drove around 10,000 cattle into Louisiana from Texas. • This was the first ever cattle drive!

4. The New Nation • The 13 colonies became a republic- a government in which voters elect officials to represent them. • The new nation quickly grew, leading some Spanish officials to see it as a threat. • U.S settlers soon pushed to the Mississippi River and into Louisiana. • Spanish Officials allowed this because it boosted population.

5. France Forces Spain to Give back Louisiana • In 1800 France forced Spain to give back Louisiana.

6. Background • There had been conflicts between Spain and the U.S. concerning the Mississippi River before. • The conflict was resolved in 1795, a treaty was written in which Spain allowed the U.S to use the Mississippi River and port of n. Orleans. • Jefferson was uneasy about this treaty. He felt that at any moment Spain might cut off the U.S.’s use of the river.

7. The Louisiana Purchase

8. 1803 • A land deal between France and the United States. • The U.S acquired approximately 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River . • The land was purchased for $15,000,000.

9. President Thomas Jefferson • As the U.S was expanding westward, navigation of the Mississippi River and access to the port of N. Orleans was critical. • It was critical to ship and receive goods by vessel.