USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In this transaction with France, signed on April 30, 1803, the United States purchased 828, 000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million.

Detailed explanation-2: -When France offered to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, Jefferson wanted to seize the opportunity to double the size of the nation and to provide future generations with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of new farmland.

Detailed explanation-3: -But despite landing Louisiana for less than three cents an acre, the price was more than the United States could afford. As a result, it was forced to borrow from two European banks at 6 percent interest.

Detailed explanation-4: -Louisiana Purchase, western half of the Mississippi River basin purchased in 1803 from France by the United States; at less than three cents per acre for 828, 000 square miles (2, 144, 520 square km), it was the greatest land bargain in U.S. history.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Louisiana Purchase (1803) was a land deal between the United States and France, in which the U.S. acquired approximately 827, 000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million.