What was the amount paid by the United States to acquire the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803?

The United States paid $15 million to acquire the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. This transaction, known as the Louisiana Purchase, was significant as it doubled the size of the United States at the time, significantly expanding its territory and resources. The deal was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson and was considered a remarkable opportunity to acquire vast lands that offered immense agricultural potential, natural resources, and facilitated westward expansion. The purchase occurred during a tumultuous period for France under Napoleon Bonaparte, who decided to sell the territory primarily due to financial constraints and the challenges of maintaining control over distant colonies. This acquisition not only shaped the future of the United States but also played a critical role in its development and its identity as a continental power.