A Bold Claim: The Movement to Return the Louisiana Territory to France
A growing online petition and vocal advocacy are fueling a surprising movement: the demand for the return of the Louisiana Territory – encompassing all or parts of fifteen U.S. States – to France. Rooted in historical arguments and a unique vision for future security, the campaign is gaining traction and sparking debate.
Historical Grievances: Questioning the Louisiana Purchase
The core of the argument centers on the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, a deal that saw the United States acquire 2,144,510 square kilometers (828,000 square miles) from France for $15 million. Proponents claim the sale was illegal under French law at the time, as Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, allegedly proceeded without parliamentary approval. They point to the Constitution of Year VII, governing the French Republic at the time, as evidence of this breach.
the movement asserts that the acquisition disregarded the rights and desires of the existing populations, both French settlers and Indigenous nations. The web search results highlight a historical pattern of broken alliances and forced displacement of Indigenous peoples following the purchase, contrasting it with the earlier French approach.
A Lingering French Identity?
Despite the passage of over two centuries, advocates maintain a strong French cultural identity persists within the former Louisiana Territory. The presence of French language, music, traditions and place names, particularly in Louisiana (and historically in cities like Detroit and St. Louis), is cited as evidence. They acknowledge a historical effort by the U.S. To suppress French language and culture, citing the 1921 ban on French in Louisiana schools, as a deliberate attempt to diminish this heritage.
Security Concerns and a “Platinum Dome”
Perhaps the most unconventional aspect of the campaign is the claim that France *needs* the Louisiana Territory for its national security. The argument posits that the territory would serve as a strategic location for a massive, technologically advanced defense system – a “platinum dome incrusted with diamonds” – designed to protect France and other nations from potential threats, specifically referencing concerns about Chinese naval activity in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The territory is also deemed essential as a location for this defense system as islands like Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and Clipperton are too small.
Demands and Potential Retaliation
The petition calls for the complete return of the territory, encompassing all of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, most of Kansas, parts of Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Novel Mexico, and a small section of Texas. As a gesture of goodwill, the advocates propose France reimburse the U.S. The original $15 million (equivalent to approximately €12.57 million today).
Should the U.S. Reject this proposal, the petition threatens retaliatory tariffs – a 200% tax – on American products like Microsoft software, McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, Hollywood films, and Netflix subscriptions.
Is This Movement Realistic?
The likelihood of the U.S. Ceding such a vast territory to France is exceedingly low. The political, economic, and logistical challenges are immense. However, the campaign highlights a fascinating intersection of historical grievances, cultural identity, and unconventional security concerns. It serves as a reminder that historical events continue to resonate and inspire passionate debate, even centuries later.
FAQ
- What is the Louisiana Purchase? The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition of the Louisiana territory by the United States from France in 1803.
- Why are people asking for the territory back? Arguments center on the legality of the sale under French law, the preservation of French cultural identity, and perceived security benefits for France.
- What states are included in the proposed return? All of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, most of Kansas, parts of Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, and a small section of Texas.
- Is this movement likely to succeed? The chances of success are extremely slim due to the significant political and logistical hurdles.
Did you recognize? The Louisiana Territory more than doubled the size of the United States in 1803.
Pro Tip: Exploring the history of the Louisiana Purchase and the cultural heritage of the region can provide valuable context for understanding this unique movement.
What are your thoughts on this bold proposal? Share your opinions in the comments below!
