Third Treaty of San Ildefonso facts for kids

The Third Treaty of San Ildefonso was a secret agreement signed between France and Spain in 1800. In this treaty, Spain agreed to give the large territory of Louisiana back to France. This land was very important for controlling trade and power in North America.

The Secret Louisiana Deal

The Third Treaty of San Ildefonso was a big deal, even though it was kept secret at first. Its full name was very long: "Preliminary and Secret Treaty between the French Republic and His Catholic Majesty the King of Spain, Concerning the Aggrandizement of His Royal Highness the Infant Duke of Parma in Italy and the Retrocession of Louisiana."

What Was the Treaty About?

Simply put, the treaty was a trade.

• France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, wanted Louisiana back. France had given Louisiana to Spain after the Seven Years' War in 1763.
• In return, Spain wanted something for one of its royal family members. The treaty promised to create a new kingdom in Italy for the Duke of Parma. He was the son-in-law of the King of Spain.

Why Was It Secret?

The treaty was kept secret for a few reasons.

• France did not want other European powers, especially Great Britain and the United States, to know about the transfer of Louisiana.
• Napoleon had big plans for a new French empire in North America. He needed time to prepare.
• Spain also wanted to avoid problems with its neighbors.

Key People Involved

Several important figures played a part in this treaty.

• Napoleon Bonaparte was the First Consul of France. He was the main force behind France wanting Louisiana back. He dreamed of rebuilding a large French empire.
• Charles Talleyrand was France's Foreign Minister. He was a skilled diplomat who helped negotiate the deal.
• Mariano Luis de Urquijo was the Spanish representative who signed the treaty. He was a key minister for King Charles IV of Spain.
• Louis Berthier was a French general and diplomat. He also signed the treaty for France.

The Signing Location

The treaty was signed in a place called San Ildefonso. This was a royal site in Spain. It was a common place for important agreements to be made between European powers.

Louisiana's Importance

Louisiana was a huge territory in North America. It stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

• It included the important port city of New Orleans. This city controlled trade along the Mississippi River.
• Farmers in the United States relied on the Mississippi River to ship their goods to market.

What Happened Next?

The Third Treaty of San Ildefonso set the stage for a much bigger event.

• France officially took control of Louisiana from Spain in 1803.
• However, Napoleon soon decided to sell Louisiana to the United States. He needed money for his wars in Europe.
• This sale became known as the Louisiana Purchase. It doubled the size of the United States.

Impact on North America

The treaty, and the later Louisiana Purchase, changed the map of North America forever.

• It ended France's dreams of a large empire in the Americas.
• It greatly expanded the United States. This helped the U.S. become a major world power.
• It also led to more exploration and settlement of the American West.

Images for kids

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  Charles Talleyrand, long-serving French Foreign Minister; the Treaty was part of a complex web of related agreements

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  Mariano Luis de Urquijo, Spanish signatory

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  Louis Berthier, French signatory

See also

In Spanish: Tratado de San Ildefonso (1800) para niños