Louisiana Purchase

Definition

The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal between the United States and France in 1803, where the U.S. acquired approximately 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million.

Related terms

Lewis and Clark Expedition: This was an expedition sent by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase to explore this newly acquired territory.

Napoleon Bonaparte: The French ruler who sold the Louisiana Territory to America due to his need for funds for war in Europe.

Manifest Destiny: Again, this term is relevant here as it represents belief that fueled America's westward expansion, which was made possible through deals like the Louisiana Purchase.