In this episode, Mark discusses the Louisiana Purchase.  We start with an interlude and listen as the governor of the Louisiana territory prepares to transfer it to the US.  Next, Mark walks us through the international intrigue, high stakes diplomatic gambles, and plain American luck that lead Napolean to sell the territory to the scrappy, young USA. 

In our "what if" scenario, Mark details General Andres Jackson's war with the French, land deals with the Spanish, and rapid westward expansion, which takes unites the country from coast to coast.

Pless play, and let's take a trip.