The Louisiana Purchase: Expanding America's Boundaries
Primary Sources of Life in the New American Nation Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
The American Government made significant investments to expand its territory, including the Louisiana Purchase, which nearly doubled the size of the United States. President Jefferson considered the acquisition his greatest achievement, motivated by the strategic importance of securing free navigation of the Mississippi River. Previously contested by Spain and France, the Louisiana Territory was sold to the United States by Napoleon for $15 million. The territory was valuable due to the bustling trade port of New Orleans, and its control had been fought over by Spain and France for many years. Once France gained control, Jefferson knew securing free navigation of the Mississippi River was essential, leading to the purchase from Napoleon.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Louisiana Purchase was important for America?
How do you think people felt about the new land they could explore?
What do you imagine living in Louisiana was like during that time?
How can a decision made by leaders affect the lives of many people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they know about the Louisiana Purchase before reading the book together.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as explorers during that time. What might they see, feel, and experience?
Discuss the impact of leadership decisions, relating it to decisions made within the family or school.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the plot of the book and current events or their personal experiences to deepen their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Exploration
Explanation: Through the journey of Lewis and Clark, the book showcases the bravery and curiosity required to explore new territories.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new subjects in school or try out new activities, fostering a sense of discovery and learning in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Decision Making
Explanation: The book highlights President Jefferson's decision to purchase the Louisiana territory, demonstrating the process and impact of making significant decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to evaluate their choices and understand the consequences of their decisions, whether it’s choosing a book to read or selecting a game to play with friends.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The interactions with various Native American tribes expose readers to different cultures and the importance of respecting them.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect diverse cultures they encounter at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Negotiation Skills
Explanation: The discussions between American envoys and the French government depict the importance of negotiation and diplomacy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in resolving conflicts with peers or collaborating on group projects effectively.
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Impact
Explanation: The book explains how the Louisiana Purchase significantly altered America's landscape and growth, teaching the impacts of historical events.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of history in shaping our present and future, enhancing their educational foundation.