The Historical Audacity of the Louisiana Purchase

In order to double the size of the country and make what would become the greatest real estate deal in the history of the United States, Thomas Jefferson had to set aside his beliefs in small government and his strict constructionist vision of the Constitution. Use this video to review the events leading up to, and the actual acquisition of land in the Louisiana Purchase with your class. Then, begin a discussion on the liberties the national government took in order to lay a firm foundation for the growing nation.