The Louisiana Purchase Deal of 1803 — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, when the United States doubled in size by buying land from France. Students will learn about President Thomas Jefferson, the reasons behind the purchase, and the impact it had on the nation’s growth. The passage uses clear, simple language and includes a glossary of key terms to support vocabulary development. It is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards for history and literacy. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and graphic organizers to reinforce comprehension and critical thinking. Read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation are included, making the resource accessible for all learners. This resource is perfect for building foundational historical knowledge while supporting reading skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Frank bond 1912 louisiana and the louisiana purchase" / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

In 1803, the United States made a deal that changed its future. President Thomas Jefferson wanted more land for the young country. He knew the land west of the Mississippi River was important for farming and trade. At this time, France owned this land. It was called the Louisiana Territory.

France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, needed money for a war in Europe. President Jefferson sent men to France to ask if they could buy New Orleans, a busy city near the river. To their surprise, France offered to sell all of the Louisiana Territory, not just New Orleans.

The price for this huge area was $15 million. It was a hard decision. Some people thought it was too much money. Others worried if the purchase was legal. But President Jefferson believed it was a great chance. He wanted America to grow.

So, in April 1803, the United States and France signed an agreement. The United States would buy the Louisiana Territory. This deal doubled the size of the country. The land stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. It included land that would become 15 new states.

After the purchase, President Jefferson wanted to know more about the new land. He sent explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on a journey. Their job was to map the land, learn about plants and animals, and meet the people who lived there. This trip was called the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It helped Americans learn about the West and made people excited to move and explore.

The Louisiana Purchase was a bold step. It showed the courage and vision of leaders like Jefferson. It brought new land, new opportunities, and a new future for the United States. As Jefferson said, “The acquisition of New Orleans… secures to us the navigation of the Mississippi.”

Interesting Fact: The Louisiana Purchase added over 800,000 square miles to the United States—more than double its original size!

Who was president during the Louisiana Purchase?

Thomas JeffersonGeorge WashingtonAbraham LincolnJohn Adams

What country sold land to the U.S.?

SpainFranceEnglandMexico

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

$1 million$10 million$15 million$50 million

Why did France sell the Louisiana Territory?

They needed money for warThey did not like the landThey wanted peaceThey wanted gold

What did Jefferson want to do with the new land?

Use it for farming and tradeBuild castlesMake new countriesGive it to France

What was the job of Lewis and Clark?