What first caused President Jefferson to believe the United States should purchase the Louisiana Territory? (1 point) Responses France had threatened to invade the United States. France had threatened to invade the United States. Spain had closed the port of New Orleans to American trade. Spain had closed the port of New Orleans to American trade. France offered the region to the United States at a reduced rate. France offered the region to the United States at a reduced rate. Spain gave the Louisiana Territory back to France.

Answer 1

The key factor that caused President Jefferson to believe the United States should purchase the Louisiana Territory was that Spain had closed the port of New Orleans to American trade. This closure threatened economic interests and the ability for western settlers to ship their goods, prompting Jefferson's interest in acquiring the territory to secure access to the port and trade routes.