2.1: The Louisiana Purchase and Its Impact Assessment

What was the primary reason Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States?

• He wanted to establish better relations with America

• France needed money to pay off massive debts

• He feared American military invasion

• He lost interest in North American colonization

Answer explanation

Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory primarily because France needed money to pay off massive debts from wars. This financial necessity outweighed his interests in maintaining control over North American territories.

How much did the United States pay for the Louisiana Purchase?

• $25 million

• $4 million

• $15 million

• $10 million

Answer explanation

The United States paid $15 million for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which significantly expanded its territory. This amount was a strategic investment for the future growth of the nation.

What constitutional dilemma did the Louisiana Purchase create for Thomas Jefferson?

• It conflicted with his belief in strict constitutional interpretation

• It exceeded the federal spending limit

• It violated existing treaties with Native Americans

• It required approval from European nations

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase conflicted with Thomas Jefferson's belief in strict constitutional interpretation, as he believed the Constitution did not explicitly grant the federal government the power to acquire new territory.

Which vital waterway did the Louisiana Purchase secure for the United States?

• The Missouri River

• The Columbia River

• The Ohio River

• The Mississippi River

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase secured the Mississippi River, a vital waterway for trade and transportation, allowing the United States to control this crucial route for moving goods and resources.

How did the Louisiana Purchase affect the size of the United States?

• It increased it by 25%

• It tripled the nation's size

• It doubled the nation's size

• It increased it by 75%

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 effectively doubled the size of the United States by adding approximately 828,000 square miles of territory, significantly expanding the nation's land and resources.

Who were the two leaders of the Corps of Discovery expedition?

• Lewis and Washington

• Clark and Adams

• Lewis and Clark

• Jefferson and Lewis

Answer explanation

The Corps of Discovery expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Therefore, the correct answer is Lewis and Clark.

What was NOT a primary objective of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

• Finding a route to the Pacific Ocean

• Establishing gold mines

• Documenting new territories

• Establishing relations with Native tribes

Answer explanation

The primary objectives of the Lewis and Clark Expedition included finding a route to the Pacific Ocean, documenting new territories, and establishing relations with Native tribes. Establishing gold mines was not one of their main goals.

How did Sacagawea contribute to the expedition?

• She provided military protection

• She funded the expedition

• She served as guide and interpreter

• She documented the wildlife

Answer explanation

Sacagawea contributed to the expedition by serving as a guide and interpreter, helping the team navigate and communicate with Native American tribes, which was crucial for their success.

What was the population growth in the United States between 1800-1820?

• Increased from 2 to 4 million

• Increased from 5 to 10 million

• Increased from 3 to 9 million

• Increased from 4 to 8 million

Answer explanation

The U.S. population grew from approximately 5 million in 1800 to about 10 million in 1820, reflecting significant growth during this period. Thus, the correct answer is 'Increased from 5 to 10 million'.

What was the approximate cost per acre of the Louisiana Purchase?

• 40 cents

• 15 cents

• 4 cents

• 25 cents

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase cost approximately 4 cents per acre. This deal, finalized in 1803, allowed the U.S. to acquire a vast territory from France for about $15 million, making it one of the most significant land purchases in history.