Who was the President during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

The President during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson's administration was pivotal in expanding the territory of the United States through this acquisition. The Louisiana Purchase involved the United States acquiring approximately 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the nation at the time.

Jefferson was motivated by a vision of an "empire of liberty," believing that the addition of more land would provide opportunities for westward expansion and support agricultural development. Although he faced constitutional dilemmas regarding the legality of such a purchase, he justified it as a means to promote the nation's growth and security.

This expansion not only had immediate economic and strategic benefits but also set the stage for future westward expansion, making Jefferson's role in the Louisiana Purchase a significant moment in U.S. history.