Monday, December 3, 2007 The Louisiana Purchase

1. How much land did the United States buy from France?

The United States purchased more than 2 million sq km (800,000 sq mi) of land extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains from France.Which is known as the Louisiana purchase.

2. When did the purchase take place?

Apr. 30, 1803

3. What was the total cost?

The price was 60 million francs, about $15 million; $11,250,000 was to be paid directly, with the balance to be covered by the assumption by the United States of French debts to American citizens.

4. How did the purchase of this land affect the size of the United States?

The United States would double its size, an enormous tract of land would be open to settlement, and the free navigation of the Mississippi would be assured.

5. How did the President violate the Constitution by making the Louisiana Purchase?

Although the Constitution did not specifically empower the federal government to acquire new territory by treaty, Jefferson concluded that the practical benefits to the nation far outweighed the possible violation of the Constitution.