A Surprising Offer: Napoleon and the French Empire — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the Louisiana Purchase and Napoleon’s surprising offer, introducing students to the pivotal moment when the United States doubled in size. Students will learn about Thomas Jefferson, the challenges faced by the young nation, and how a decision by France changed American history forever. The passage features clear cause-and-effect relationships and introduces key vocabulary terms, all aligned to C3 and ELA Common Core standards. This resource also includes a glossary, timeline, multiple-choice quiz, and writing activities to reinforce learning. A Spanish translation and read-aloud audio are provided for accessibility. A relevant public domain image and a coloring page prompt enhance visual learning, making this passage perfect for classroom or independent study. Keywords include Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, French Empire, New Nation, and C3 standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Cession of Louisiana, 1803. Ceremony of replacing French with American flag].
Source: Library of Congress

The year was 1803. The United States was a young country. Thomas Jefferson was the President. He wanted the nation to grow and stay safe. The United States stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. West of the river was a huge area called Louisiana. It belonged to France. France was ruled by a strong leader named Napoleon.

President Jefferson worried about the city of New Orleans. Ships carried American crops down the Mississippi River. New Orleans was the main port. If another country controlled New Orleans, American trade could be stopped. Jefferson sent men to France to buy New Orleans. He wanted to pay up to $10 million for the city and nearby land.

When the American men spoke to the French, they got a big surprise. Napoleon did not just offer New Orleans. He offered to sell all of Louisiana. This was more than 800,000 square miles! Napoleon needed money for his wars in Europe. He also worried he could not defend Louisiana if war broke out with Great Britain. He said, "I have given up my dream of an empire in America."

Jefferson’s men were not sure what to do. They knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. They agreed to buy the land for $15 million. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. It doubled the size of the United States overnight. People cheered when they heard the news. Some people worried it was too much land. Others wondered if the government could rule so many new people and places.

President Jefferson believed it was the right choice. He wanted Americans to have space to farm and live. He said, "The acquisition of New Orleans is essential to us." The Louisiana Purchase opened the door for westward growth. It made the nation stronger and richer. New explorers, like Lewis and Clark, soon set out to learn about the new land.

Interesting Fact: The Louisiana Purchase included land that now makes up all or part of 15 states!

Who was President during the Louisiana Purchase?

Thomas JeffersonGeorge WashingtonAbraham LincolnJohn Adams

Which country owned Louisiana before 1803?

FranceSpainEnglandMexico

How much did the U.S. pay for Louisiana?

$15 million$1 million$10 million$20 million

Why did Jefferson want New Orleans?

For trade and shippingFor gold minesFor farming onlyTo build a fort

What did Napoleon say about his empire?

He gave up his dreamHe wanted more landHe planned to keep LouisianaHe loved America

What effect did the Louisiana Purchase have?