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

The Louisiana Territory was acquired by the United States from France in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. This monumental event effectively doubled the size of the United States at the time, adding approximately 827,000 square miles of territory. The acquisition was primarily motivated by the desire for land to support westward expansion and access to resources. It was also significant in that it paved the way for future exploration, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and established a precedent for the purchase of vast territories rather than relying solely on treaties or war for expansion. The acquisition profoundly impacted the nation's growth and development, shaping its geographic and political landscape.