Analyzing a Map of the Louisiana Purchase

This activity is appropriate an introduction to the initial era of American Expansion, Manifest Destiny, or actions during the Early Republic. For grades 6-8. Approximate time needed is 20 minutes.

Direct students to begin the activity individually or in pairs. They should spend a minute or two looking at the map unassisted. Then they should proceed to answer the questions that follow, which will guide them through the process of document analysis.

• Meet the document.
• Observe its parts.
• Try to make sense of it.
• Use it as historical evidence.

If necessary, check in with your students at each step in the process and model analysis if required. Remind students to zoom in/zoom out on the map to see the full extent of the map.

When they have finished, tell students to click “When You’re Done” and discuss the following:

1. What would be the advantages of controlling this land?
2. What natural resources would this land contain that would benefit the country?
3. Why would the U.S. want to control the Mississippi river and the port of New Orleans?
4. Why would the national government want authority over such a large area?
5. What would be the transportation and domestic benefits for the citizens of the United States?

Activity adapted from “Jefferson’s Decision: The Louisiana Purchase” in the New York City Department of Education’s Passport to Social Studies, Grade 7, Unit 3, Lesson 17 (pg. 174-183).