In February 1801 Spain transferred ownership of the Louisiana territories to France and Napoleon became increasingly interested in re-establishing a colonial French Empire in America.
His first action was to dispatch 35,000 veteran troops to put down Toussaint L'Overture's slave revolt in Haiti, and to plan the expansion of French interests in Louisiana by military force.
The United States realised that French troops in Louisiana would block its westwards expansion and lead inevitably to British intervention against their French enemies in the region.
Nervous of French intentions, the Americans are even beginning to consider an alliance with the old enemy, Great Britain.
