Would Jefferson want to invade? What was his view on the idea of U.S expansionism anyway?
Would Jefferson want to invade? What was his view on the idea of U.S expansionism anyway?
In the case of New Orleans, practically all of America wanted the place (the rest of the LA territory was regarded by nearly one and all as useless)... but the city was a very important port for US exports, and thus, the US really wanted control of it... so, I was speculating that, in the event of no clear settlement of the region after Napoleon's defeat, the US might just annex the city (if it can find the military forces to do it)... and then have to deal with Spain's claims afterwards...
If Jefferson (as the POD suggests) sticks to his guns on the question of purchasing New Orleans in the first place, why would he accept what was effectively a purchase later?