Page "Louisiana Purchase" Paragraph 6

Throughout the later half of the 18th century, Louisiana was a pawn on the chessboard of European politics.

It was originally claimed by Spain, but also claimed by the French, who established most of the colonists as part of New France.

Following the Seven Years War and French defeat by Great Britain, Spain gained control of the territory west of the Mississippi River.

As the area was being gradually settled by United States migrants, many Americans, including Jefferson, assumed that it would be acquired " piece by piece.

" The risk of another power taking it from a weakened Spain would make " profound reconsideration " of this policy necessary.