- Napoleon had just tried to conquer Haiti but lost 55,000 troops and a lot of money when trying. He needed money if he was to continue his war on Europe.
- He realized that the Louisiana Territory which was in North America was his best option for cash. The settlers were already moving onto the territory, and Napoleon knew that he would not be able to stop them.
- Instead of sending his precious troops to protect the land, they could be used in his conquest of Europe.
- He also knew that Thomas Jefferson wanted the land for the settling of future generations, as well as the port of New Orleans. Napoleon figured that instead of protecting the land, he could just sell it.
- When Jefferson sent representatives to make a deal with Napoleon for the port of New Orleans, Napoleon sold them the entire Louisiana Territory.