What 1803 land deal doubled the size of the United States by purchasing land from France?

• A. Florida Purchase
• B. Louisiana Purchase
• C. Alaska Purchase
• D. Gadsden Purchase

Answer: (B)

This item tests a pivotal moment when the United States dramatically expanded its territory through a single purchase. In 1803, the country bought the Louisiana Territory from France for about $15 million. This deal added roughly 827,000 square miles and more than doubled the nation’s size, bringing vast lands west of the Mississippi River under U.S. control and securing access to New Orleans for trade. It also fueled westward exploration, like the Lewis and Clark expedition, and paved the way for rapid expansion. The other land acquisitions came from different nations and at later times (Spain for Florida, Russia for Alaska, Mexico for the Gadsden Purchase), so the Louisiana Purchase is the one that fits the description.