How Did Thomas Jefferson's Westward Expansion

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America’s westward expansion with the purchase of new territory accelerated the growth and prosperity of our country. Thomas Jefferson, who was our third President, was elected in 1801. At the time, America consisted of the land along the East Coast stretching to the extraordinary Mississippi River. Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a French emperor during that time, was attempting to construct a large empire in a land named Louisiana. Unfortunately, Napoleon desperately needed money for a war he was battling. After much contemplation, he decided to sell his land to America. When Thomas Jefferson was made aware of Napoleon’s actual offer, he was shocked. Originally, Jefferson was merely interested in purchasing the city of New Orleans. Because Napoleon