American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the outcome of the Louisiana Purchase?

1. Acquisition of land from Canada

2. Secured vast territory from Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains

3. Removal of Spanish claims to Florida

4. Gain of naval bases in the Caribbean

The correct answer is: Secured vast territory from Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains

The outcome of the Louisiana Purchase is best summarized by the acquisition of vast territory from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. This monumental land deal, completed in 1803 between the United States and France, effectively doubled the size of the nation, providing approximately 828,000 square miles of land. This territory included parts of 15 current U.S. states and was crucial for the westward expansion of the United States, facilitating settlement, agricultural development, and economic growth. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary consequences of the Louisiana Purchase. For instance, acquiring land from Canada did not occur through this transaction, which specifically involved French territory. The Purchase also did not directly address Spanish claims to Florida; those matters were settled through different agreements later on. Additionally, while securing naval bases in the Caribbean might have been a consideration for the U.S. in a broader strategic context, it is not directly related to the outcomes or implications of the Louisiana Purchase itself. This highlights the significance of the Purchase in shaping America's geographic and political landscape.