Short Stuff: Did a shipwreck double the size of the United States?
Summary
In this Short Stuff episode, hosts Josh and Chuck discuss an article by former colleague Kristen Conger about the 1784 shipwreck of the El Cazador. The loss of 19 tons of silver coins weakened Spain’s hold on Louisiana, prompting Napoleon to sell the territory to Thomas Jefferson. This chain of events ultimately led to the Louisiana Purchase, effectively doubling the size of the United States.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro to The Short Stuff
Praise for Kristen Conger's article
Jerry Murphy finds silver coins in 1993
The El Cazador shipwreck and Spanish currency
Spanish rule of Louisiana and New Orleans' value
ChatGPT Work and Botox ads
Napoleon regains Louisiana from Spain
Haitian Revolution impacts French plans
The Louisiana Purchase negotiation
How a shipwreck doubled the US size
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