President Jefferson first believed that the United States should purchase the Louisiana Territory due to the potential threat to American trade along the Mississippi River and New Orleans. In 1801, Spain, which had control over the territory, refused to allow American farmers to ship their goods through New Orleans, jeopardizing their access to international markets. Jefferson also aimed to secure American expansion westward and promote agricultural development. Furthermore, he saw the acquisition of the vast territory as an opportunity to spread democratic ideals and secure America's place as a dominant power in North America.
