What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the Utah Citizenship Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Louisiana Territory is the correct answer because in 1803, the United States acquired a vast area of land from France known as the Louisiana Purchase. This territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and doubled the size of the United States at the time. The purchase was significant not only for its size but also for its resources and potential for expansion. It facilitated westward expansion and set the stage for the U.S. to grow both economically and geographically.

In contrast, Texas and California were acquired at different times and through different means, with Texas being an independent republic before joining the Union in 1845 and California being ceded to the U.S. after the Mexican-American War, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Florida was obtained from Spain in 1819 through a treaty, known as the Adams-Onís Treaty. Each of these territories has its unique historical context, distinct from the Louisiana Purchase.