Answer:
D. It doubled the size of the United States
Explanation:
While there is some truth to A, the correct answer is D. The purchase of the Louisiana territory doubled the size of the country and gave the US complete control over the Mississipi river. It also meant the end of a long tense relation with Spain and other European powers which used the territory as political leverage.
The purchase was ambitious, but Jefferson deemed it necessary to avoid any other power to purchase or acquire part of the territory. By controlling the Mississippi, the US guaranteed full and free access to the sea. Jefferson also took advantage of weakened Spain, briefly under French rule. The presence of Napoleonic troops in New Orleans helped Jefferson. The threat of a Napoleonic attack was too big, and the purchase seemed like the best way of preventing any threat.
