The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States. From which country did the United States acquire this territory?

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States. From which country did the United States acquire this territory?

• A. Spain
• B. Britain
• C. France
• D. Mexico

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the United States expanded its territory by acquiring land from another country. In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France for about $15 million. This deal dramatically increased the country’s size and gave control of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, enabling westward exploration and settlement. France sold the land for financial reasons and to prevent Britain from gaining a foothold in North America after conflicts in Europe. The seller was France, not Spain, Britain, or Mexico.

The main idea is that the United States expanded its territory by acquiring land from another country. In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France for about $15 million. This deal dramatically increased the country’s size and gave control of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, enabling westward exploration and settlement. France sold the land for financial reasons and to prevent Britain from gaining a foothold in North America after conflicts in Europe. The seller was France, not Spain, Britain, or Mexico.