Question

The Louisiana Purchase proved to be one of the shrewdest business pacts in the entire

history of the United States. The purchase doubled in the area of the country and provided
territory from which fourteen new states were created either wholly or in part. It also gave
as control over the mouth of the Mississippi River and opened up the way to foreign trade.
Prior to the purchase, the waterway had been blocked by the Spanish, probably with the
approval of Napoleon. The land that was bought was rich in timber, minerals, and natural
resources of many kinds. Finally, the cost of the transaction was unbelievably low; the
total of 15 million amounted to about four cents an acre.

Which of the following statements is supported by the information provided about the Louisiana Purchase?

a. The Louisiana Purchase was a very good business deal for the U.S.
b. The land bought by the Louisiana Purchase was rich in minerals.
c. The land bought by the Louisiana Purchase was very cheap.
d. Most Americans were very pleased with the purchase.

Answer 1

The statement that the Louisiana Purchase was a very good business deal for the U.S. is supported by the information, highlighting the significant expansion of territory, control over crucial trade routes, and the acquisition of resource-rich land at a nominal cost. The correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The information provided about the Louisiana Purchase supports the following statement: The Louisiana Purchase was a very good business deal for the U.S.. This landmark transaction in 1803 not only doubled the size of the country but also provided territory from which fourteen new states were created either wholly or in part.

Moreover, it secured control over the mouth of the Mississippi River, paving the way for increased foreign trade. An additional point in favor of its economic shrewdness is the remarkably low cost of the purchase—a total of $15 million, which amounted to about four cents an acre—making the land acquired rich in timber, minerals, and other natural resources.

Hence, Option a is correct.