Study Notes on Decision-Making and the Louisiana Purchase

Introduction to the Presentation

  • Discussion on the concept of permission and decision-making regarding purchases.

  • Interactive engagement with students to reflect on hypothetical buying scenarios.

Hypothetical Scenario of Purchasing Without Permission

  • Question Posed by Instructor: If you had the financial means to buy something but lacked permission, would you still go ahead?

    • Responses varied among students, indicating differing perspectives on personal agency and accountability.

  • Student Response (William):

    • William articulates that he would not proceed with the purchase, emphasizing respect for authority and decision-making power.

    • Suggests persuading those in authority to allow the purchase.

Historical Context: The Louisiana Purchase

  • Significance of the Louisiana Purchase:

    • Referred to as "the greatest real estate deal in history" with monumental impact on the United States.

    • Explains the historical implications, such as territorial expansion and geopolitical shifts.

Details of the Louisiana Purchase

  • Transaction Details (1803):

    • Amount Paid: The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $50 million.

    • Cost per Acre:

    • Approximately 3 to 4 cents an acre; specifically mentions about 3.74 cents.

  • Comparison to Current Land Prices:

    • Current pricing for land varies significantly:

    • In rural areas, approximately $20,000 per acre.

    • In urban areas (example: Baton Rouge), land prices can reach $300,000 for less than an acre.

Geographic Scope of the Louisiana Purchase

  • Area Acquired:

    • Included 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River.

    • Compared to distances familiar to students (e.g., distance to Disney World, approximately 1,400 miles).

Importance of Strategic Locations

  • Focus on the Mississippi River's mouth and the port in New Orleans:

    • Critical for trade and transportation in the newly acquired territory.

Student Activity Instructions

  • Mapping Exercise:

    • Activity available on Google Classroom relevant to the Louisiana Purchase:

    • Students to find and open the Louisiana Purchase map presentation on Google Classroom.

  • Geographic Contextualization:

    • Discussion surrounding the geographical boundaries of the U.S. in 1803, which ended at the Appalachian Mountains.

    • Student engagement in visualizing the territorial acquisition through maps.

Summary and Conclusion

  • Recap of the importance of the Louisiana Purchase in shaping the United States.

  • Connection drawn between historical events and current land-use discussions.