Louisiana Purchase

Definition

The Louisiana Purchase was a land acquisition made by the United States in 1803, in which the U.S. bought approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million. This purchase significantly expanded the size of the United States and played a crucial role in shaping its westward expansion and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, transforming it from a collection of small states into a continental power.
2. The deal was negotiated by Robert Livingston and James Monroe on behalf of President Thomas Jefferson.
3. The acquisition included land that would eventually become all or part of 15 states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana.
4. The purchase raised constitutional questions for Jefferson, who initially believed in strict interpretation of the Constitution but justified it as a means to promote agriculture and westward expansion.
5. The exploration following the purchase, primarily conducted by Lewis and Clark, provided invaluable information about the geography, native tribes, and resources of the West.

Review Questions

• How did the Louisiana Purchase impact the political landscape of the United States during Thomas Jefferson's presidency?
  • The Louisiana Purchase greatly expanded U.S. territory and changed the political landscape by increasing land for settlement and agriculture. It allowed Jefferson to promote his vision of an agrarian society while also creating new political challenges, such as addressing how to govern this vast new area. The acquisition set a precedent for future territorial expansions and altered U.S. foreign relations with other nations interested in North America.
• What were some of the key motivations behind Thomas Jefferson's decision to pursue the Louisiana Purchase?
  • Jefferson was motivated by several factors when pursuing the Louisiana Purchase. Firstly, he aimed to secure land for future generations to ensure agricultural prosperity and independence for American farmers. Additionally, he sought to eliminate French presence in North America, which posed a threat to American expansion. Finally, he recognized the strategic importance of controlling the Mississippi River and New Orleans for trade and transportation.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition shaped American perceptions of westward expansion following the Louisiana Purchase.
  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition significantly influenced American perceptions of westward expansion by providing detailed information about the geography, resources, and indigenous peoples of the newly acquired territory. Their findings helped generate public interest in exploring and settling the West, contributing to ideas like Manifest Destiny. As reports of abundant natural resources emerged, settlers became more eager to migrate westward, further solidifying America's expansionist ambitions and shaping its national identity.

Related terms

Napoleon Bonaparte: The French leader who decided to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States as he needed funds for his military campaigns in Europe.

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, which was greatly influenced by the Louisiana Purchase.

Lewis and Clark Expedition: A journey commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, leading to significant discoveries about the region's geography and resources.