Question

imagine you are a historian researching the louisiana purchase. which of the following sources would be most likely to give you firsthand information about why the u.s. wanted to purchase new orleans from france in 1803?
a. a speech made in 1929 by the governor of louisiana
b. a painting of andrew jackson, who became president in 1829
c. a modern movie about lewis and clark, who explored the louisiana territory in 1803
d. a collection of letters from president thomas jefferson to the u.s. ambassador to france

Explanation:

Primary sources created during the 1802 period related to the decision-making process are the best for firsthand information. The 1929 speech, 1829-focused painting, and modern movie are either from much later or unrelated to the 1802 decision. Jefferson's letters to the ambassador are direct, contemporary records of the U.S.'s motives for the purchase.

Answer:

a collection of letters from President Thomas Jefferson to the U.S. ambassador to France