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The Louisiana Purchase was controversial because...? However, it was the foundation for the westward expansion of the United States. The purchase doubled the size of the country and ensured...?

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Final answer:

The Louisiana Purchase was controversial due to constitutional questions about the president's authority to acquire new territory and fears regarding the expansion of slavery. It doubled the size of the U.S. and was pivotal for westward expansion and trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Louisiana Purchase was controversial primarily because there were disputes regarding whether the president had the authority to make such a purchase, as nothing in the Constitution expressly granted this power. Additionally, the expansion raised pressing questions about the future of slavery in the new territories, with the North fearing the addition of more slave states. Despite controversies, the Purchase doubled the nation’s size, laying the groundwork for westward expansion and transforming the United States into a continental power. It ensured control over crucial trade routes through New Orleans and the Mississippi River and highlighted Jefferson’s vision of an agrarian republic. Thus, the Louisiana Purchase was instrumental in shaping the nation’s future despite its contentious nature.

User Abhishake Gupta
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The Mississippi River was very important to the south because the transported almost all their cotton and other products on steamboats through it. The constitution didn't say anything about purchasing land from other countries so many doubted Jackson was allowed to.

The Louisiana Purchase was controversial because...? However, it was the foundation-example-1
User Mikeck
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