How to Research the Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase is a business transaction that allowed the United States the acquire more than 800,000 square miles of French territory. The Louisiana Purchase included all of what is currently Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska as well as a portion of several other states. Because the Louisiana Purchase is an important part of American history, researching this topic should be relatively easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Pen
• Notepad

1. Visit any search engine and type in the phrase "Louisiana Purchase". This initial search will yield hundreds or thousands of results. Try your best to read through the top 10 search results, this will give you a basic understanding of the entire transaction and the events leading up to the Louisiana Purchase.
2. Read "The Louisiana Purchase and American Expansion, 1803-1898". This book is the definitive history regarding the events leading up to the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. In addition to the insight provided by the authors, this book will also give you an in-depth look into the importance of the future of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
3. View a map of the territory secured by the United States under the Louisiana Purchase. The map will illustrate exactly which states were secured through the Louisiana Purchase. By viewing this map you will also have a greater understanding of how different things would have been had the United States not secured that territory.
4. Search for information on financing for the Louisiana Purchase. The United States paid just over $23 million including interest for the Louisiana Territory. The cost included interest as well as debt owed, but much of the cost was paid in gold and U.S. bonds. The price of the Louisiana Purchase was substantial for 1803, but the cost of securing this territory for the United States was far greater.
5. Read the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. Reading this Treaty will give you the details of the transaction regarding payment for the Louisiana Territory as well as remaining debt owed to the government of France. Any questions you have up to this point should be answered by reading the treaty.

Tips & Warnings

• Research on U.S. expansion plans will help you understand the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
• Read up on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, which was a direct result of the Louisiana Purchase.