What territory did the United States acquire from France in 1803?

The United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 through a significant event known as the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States at the time and expanded U.S. territory beyond the Mississippi River, opening up vast lands for exploration, settlement, and development.

The Louisiana Purchase encompassed approximately 828,000 square miles, which included parts of what would later become 15 states, establishing a foundation for westward expansion. This transaction was driven by several factors, including the desire for land and resources, as well as the strategic importance of controlling the port of New Orleans and the Mississippi River for trade.

The other choices represent territories that were acquired by different means or at later times. Florida was acquired from Spain in 1819, Texas was its own independent republic before joining the United States in 1845, and California was obtained after the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848. Thus, the Louisiana Purchase remains a pivotal moment in American history, setting the stage for the country’s growth and development in the 19th century.