Question

Which geographical consideration had the greatest influence on President Thomas Jefferson’s decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory in 1803?

Answer 1

The Americans did not have control or free access of the river Mississippi, which was mainly controlled by the French. The river was used to transport American products from inland to the Port of New Orleans. President Thomas Jefferson’s decision to purchase Louisiana territory was to overcome this problem and take complete control over the river and its surrounding areas, which was vital for American trade.

The purchase of Louisiana from the French was completed in 1803, at a cost of sixty-eight million Francs.

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase so that he could have control over the Mississippi River, which was a source of most trade and delivered resources to the people of the United States.