iCivics: A Growing Nation : Louisiana Purchase Quiz

Why were rivers important for shipping cargo in the 1700s and early 1800s?

• They were the fastest way to ship cargo

• They were the most luxurious way to ship cargo

• They were the only mode of transportation available

• They were the cheapest way to ship cargo

Which river was one of the biggest and longest waterways in the 1700s and early 1800s?

• Mississippi River

• Amazon River

• Nile River

• Yangtze River

Why did Spain initially not allow Americans to use the Mississippi River?

• They were afraid the U.S. would take their land

• They didn't have enough boats for everyone

• They wanted to keep the river for themselves

• They didn't trust American farmers

Which country controlled the Mississippi River after Spain?

• Mexico

• United States

• England

• France

Why was having France as a neighbor a disaster for President Thomas Jefferson?

• He wanted to form an alliance with France

• He was afraid of Napoleon's intentions

• He didn't like the French culture

• He wanted to conquer France

What did Spain do that worsened the crisis between the U.S. and France?

• Refused to sell Louisiana to the U.S.

• Declared war on the United States

• Closed the New Orleans port to Americans

• Took control of the Mississippi River

What was President Jefferson's initial plan to resolve the crisis in New Orleans?

• Ask Spain for permission to use the river

• Declare war on France

• Take control of New Orleans by force

• Send a man to negotiate with Napoleon

How much were Livingston and Monroe authorized to pay for New Orleans?

• $1 million

• $5 million

• $15 million

• $10 million

Why were Livingston and Monroe shocked when France asked how much the U.S. would pay for all of the Louisiana colony?

• They thought the price would be much higher

• They didn't want to buy the entire colony

• They didn't expect France to sell the entire colony

• They didn't have enough money to buy the entire colony

Why did the U.S. decide to buy the entire Louisiana colony instead of just New Orleans?

• They wanted to establish a new capital

• They wanted to control the Mississippi River

• They wanted to prevent France from becoming too powerful

• They wanted to expand their empire