10
QuizMultiple Choice

Expansion and Settlement — Quiz

Question 10 • Social Studies 8

Why did President Thomas Jefferson want control of New Orleans?

Answer
A
to increase the amount of land available for settlement
B
to increase the likelihood of finding a water route to the Pacific
C
to control trade along the Mississippi River
D
to control the island of Haiti in the Caribbean

Explanation

New Orleans sat at the mouth of the Mississippi River, making it a vital port for shipping goods to and from the river valley. Jefferson wanted the United States to control the port so American farmers and merchants could reliably move their products through the Mississippi and trade with other regions. Therefore, the correct choice is “to control trade along the Mississippi River.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.