What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? — Answer & Explanation

Official Question & Answer

Question

What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦

Louisiana Territory; Louisiana

Why This Is the Answer

The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. This purchase doubled the size of the country and is considered one of the greatest land deals in history.

President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the purchase for approximately $15 million — about 4 cents per acre. The territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada.

The Louisiana Purchase added land that would eventually become all or part of 15 states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and others.

💡 Interview Tip

Say: 'The Louisiana Territory' or just 'Louisiana.'

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