Civic Literacy Curriculum
This curriculum guide is intended to cover question 90.
Q90: What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
a) Louisiana Territory
b) Texas
c) Ohio
d) The Rocky Mountains
Background
Even before the Constitution had been ratified, settlers continued to move west into the American territories east of the Mississippi River that had been ceded to the American government by the British. But the French retained the land to the west of the Mississippi River—as well as the crucial port of New Orleans at its mouth.
As control of the Mississippi River offered massive advantages both in terms of trade and defense, President Thomas Jefferson sent envoys, including James Monroe to France to inquire about purchasing New Orleans.
As the French government under Napoleon Bonaparte warred with its European neighbors and fought slave rebellions in the Caribbean in the early 1800s, the country became both financially troubled and unable to commit soldiers to defend its North American territory. As a result, Napoleon instructed his government to sell not just New Orleans, but the bulk of these massive holdings to the young American government. This offer resulted in the purchase of the Louisiana Territory, which covered more than current day Louisiana – it was a vast expanse between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, almost doubling the size of the new nation.
Discussion Prompts
The Louisiana Purchase was a pivotal moment in American history, ensuring the United States would not remain a largely Atlantic focused nation limited to what had been parts of British North America, that it could instead become a truly vast country eventually spanning the continent.
Prompt 1
Securing western growth was an important goal of the early nation. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Why was acquiring it so important?
Prompt 2
Think about Lewis and Clark’s expedition to map the Louisiana Purchase. Why was this important? How do you think the knowledge gained helped decisions made by the federal government regarding settling the West? Do you think that geography is still important today? Why or why not? Use current and past events to support your answer.
K-2 Lesson
Louisiana Territory
By Haley Smith
Lesson Summary: Students will understand the basic concept of the Louisiana Territory, its importance, and some key historical figures and events associated with it.
Learning Objectives: Students will understand the basic concept of the Louisiana Territory, its importance, and some key historical figures and events associated with it.
Grades 3-5 Lesson Plan
A Growing Nation: The Louisiana Purchase of 1803
By VerGeshia Washington
Lesson Summary: Students will learn about the Louisiana Purchase and the important figures involved. Students will create a poster to summarize their learning and show understanding.
Learning Objectives: Students will understand the historical significance of the Louisiana Purchase and identify the territory the U.S. bought from France in 1803.
Grades 6-8 Lesson Plan
Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase
By Jamie Warner
Lesson Summary: In this lesson, students will explore the Louisiana Purchase by considering various perspectives. This exercise will allow students to delve into the motivations and implications of the purchase, encouraging critical thinking and respectful dialogue.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to describe the reasons behind the Louisiana Purchase from multiple perspectives.
- Students will be able to explain how the purchase influenced the future of the United States.
- Students will be able to develop communication and critical thinking skills through a structured class discussion.
High School/ Adult Learner
Advise the President: Can Thomas Jefferson Purchase the Louisiana Territory?
By Belinda Cambre
Lesson Summary: Students apply the powers of the president to the purchase of the Louisiana territory. They research constitutional options and then argue a path for the president to legally buy the land
Primary Sources: copy of the U.S. Constitution
Learning Objectives:
Students will learn that the Constitution does not provide specific powers to the president to purchase land from other countries. They will discover that Thomas Jefferson negotiated a treaty, which the Senate ratified, to purchase the Louisiana territory in 1803.
Additional Resource:
We recommend teachers utilize the following instructor exercise, put together by the National Archives, to help students appreciate the geography of Lewis and Clark’s journey.