The Great Acquisition: An Introduction to the Louisiana Purchase

This book takes a fresh look at the Louisiana Purchase, considered by many to be the single most important event in United States history. As a result of tension between two European powers and the yellow fever rampaging through the French army, our young country benefited beyond all imagining. This well-organized, readable text traces the story of Jefferson and Madison's concept of a small amount of land for a small price to Livingston's purchase of 900,000 square miles for 15 million dollars. Author Peter Kastor describes the changes that occurred for American, French, Spanish, and Native American residents after the Purchase was official.