If asked, I would venture to guess that not many would like to return to the elementary school days of memorizing U.S. history as part of social studies. As adults we realize the infinite wisdom that can be gained by learning how past leaders, when faced with making difficult decisions, dealt with pitfalls, prevails, and strategies in order to execute change.

In 1783, France ceded Louisiana to Spain only for Napoleon Bonaparte to ask for it back in 1800. Spain, by complying with Bonaparte's request, placed the U.S. in a very difficult position. If France controlled the important trade routes in New Orleans, this would jeopardize national security and the economic advancements of the new nation by forcing the U.S. to align itself with Great Britain. Jefferson knew that the U.S. had to purchase New Orleans and Florida from France. After gaining approval from Congress, Jefferson sent James Monroe and Robert Livingston to negotiate a deal with Talleyrand, Napoleon's minister of foreign affairs. The negotiations were waning until Napoleon, against the advice of Talleyrand, decided to sell the U.S. the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million, or less than 3.5 cents per acre to fund his other crusades in Europe.