Which important territory did the United States purchase from France in 1803?

The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, a pivotal decision that significantly expanded the nation’s borders. Known as the Louisiana Purchase, this acquisition nearly doubled the size of the United States, covering a vast area that stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and included parts of present-day states such as Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and parts of Minnesota and Louisiana.

The deal was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson and was motivated by the desire to secure land for future settlement, control over the Mississippi River, and the expansion of agricultural opportunities. This territory purchase was critical for the United States as it laid the foundation for westward expansion and set the stage for the growth of the nation as a continental power.

In contrast, the other territories mentioned have different historical contexts and purchases. The Texas Territory was acquired later in 1845, Florida was purchased from Spain in 1819, and the Oregon Territory was settled through negotiations and agreements over several years, culminating in the Oregon Treaty of 1846. Only the Louisiana Territory directly correlates to the 1803 purchase from France, which is why it is the correct response.