USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -On October 20, 1803, the Senate ratified a treaty with France, promoted by President Thomas Jefferson, that doubled the size of the United States.

Detailed explanation-2: -Acquisition of Louisiana was a long-term goal of President Thomas Jefferson, who was especially eager to gain control of the crucial Mississippi River port of New Orleans. Jefferson tasked James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston with purchasing New Orleans.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Louisiana Purchase encompassed 530, 000, 000 acres of territory in North America that the United States purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million.

Detailed explanation-4: -Although eager to accept this vast territory, Thomas Jefferson also advocated a strict construction of the Constitution, and nowhere in the Constitution could he find authorization for the government to purchase new territory.

Detailed explanation-5: -Jefferson drafted an amendment that would authorize the purchase of Louisiana retroactively. But Jefferson’s cabinet members argued against the need for an amendment, and Congress disregarded his draft. The Senate ratified the treaty in October of 1803.