What territory did the U.S. purchase from France in 1803?

The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, which was a significant expansion of U.S. territory. This acquisition effectively doubled the size of the nation and opened vast tracts of land for settlement and exploration. The purchase was driven by various factors, including the desire for land for agriculture and settlement, as well as concerns about French control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans, which were vital for trade.

The Louisiana Purchase encompassed a massive area that included parts of what would become 15 different states, significantly influencing the nation’s growth. The deal was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson, and it is considered one of the most important achievements in American history, marking the beginning of westward expansion.

The other choices represent different territories that were acquired by the U.S. at other times. Florida was acquired from Spain in 1819, Texas was annexed in 1845 after gaining independence from Mexico, and California was ceded to the U.S. by Mexico as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. Each of these events occurred after the Louisiana Purchase, highlighting its unique position in U.S. history as a foundational moment of territorial expansion.