In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine how the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory in 1803, exploring the crisis over New Orleans port access, the Pinckney Treaty with Spain, and Napoleon's surprise offer to sell the entire territory for $15 million. Students also trace the Lewis and Clark expedition and other explorations that followed, learning how the purchase doubled the size of the young nation and opened the path for westward expansion.
Section 1
Jefferson Purchases Land to Double the Nation's Size
In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. This massive purchase doubled the country's size and secured American control of the Mississippi River.
Section 2
Lewis and Clark Navigate Unknown Territories
From 1804 to 1806, Lewis and Clark led an expedition west through the Louisiana Purchase. With Sacagawea's help, they mapped the region, documented new plants and animals, and reached the Pacific.
Section 3
Western Farmers Rely on Mississippi River Access
By 1800, over one million settlers lived west of the Appalachians. They depended on the Mississippi River and New Orleans port to ship their crops to eastern markets, making control vital for American growth.
Section 4
Explorers Chart the Continental Divide
Lewis and Clark's expedition crossed the Rocky Mountains at the Continental Divide, discovering that no easy water route connected the Mississippi to the Pacific. Their journey revealed the true geography of western territories.
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Section 1
Jefferson Purchases Land to Double the Nation's Size
In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. This massive purchase doubled the country's size and secured American control of the Mississippi River.
Section 2
Lewis and Clark Navigate Unknown Territories
From 1804 to 1806, Lewis and Clark led an expedition west through the Louisiana Purchase. With Sacagawea's help, they mapped the region, documented new plants and animals, and reached the Pacific.
Section 3
Western Farmers Rely on Mississippi River Access
By 1800, over one million settlers lived west of the Appalachians. They depended on the Mississippi River and New Orleans port to ship their crops to eastern markets, making control vital for American growth.
Section 4
Explorers Chart the Continental Divide
Lewis and Clark's expedition crossed the Rocky Mountains at the Continental Divide, discovering that no easy water route connected the Mississippi to the Pacific. Their journey revealed the true geography of western territories.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter