Territory

Definition

A territory refers to an area or region under political control by another country or government. In terms of U.S. history, it can refer to areas acquired through war, purchase, or negotiation.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The belief held by many Americans in the 19th century that it was their destiny to expand westward and settle new territories.

Louisiana Purchase: The acquisition of a vast territory from France by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 that more than doubled the size of the United States.

Mexican Cession: Land gained by the U.S. following its victory in the Mexican-American War, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of other states.