Question

Instead of buying land during the Louisiana Purchase, what did the U.S. buy

rights to? What does this mean?

Answer 1

During the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States did not buy rights to the land; rather, it acquired the entire territory from France. The U.S. purchased the vast region, which stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, for $15 million. This acquisition doubled the size of the country and provided valuable resources and access to the port of New Orleans, enhancing economic and strategic interests.