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

The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, an event famously known as the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition was significant because it doubled the size of the United States at the time, adding approximately 827,000 square miles of land. The territory extended from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, encompassing parts of what would become 15 different states. This deal was motivated by various factors, including the desire for land to accommodate an expanding population and control of the vital Mississippi River for trade.

The Louisiana Purchase positioned the United States for tremendous growth and helped lay the foundation for westward expansion. It also demonstrated the U.S. government's ability to negotiate successfully on a global stage, securing valuable territory for the nation. Other options like Florida, Texas, or California were acquired through different means, such as treaties or annexation, but none were part of the monumental purchase from France in 1803.