In this episode we will look at the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States in 1803. And we will ponder a history where Louisiana is assimilated, not by treaty, purchase or annexation, but by force. And in the process the fledgling United States Army must fight the European powers on native soil to unite the country from coast-to-coast.

The Union suffers a devastating defeat, but a brilliant general and future president, Ulysses S Grant takes over the entirety of the war effort. And believe it or not, Lee’s success at Gettysburg will lead to a quicker defeat of his forces and a shorter end to the Civil War.