Forming of a Nation Archives | History Cooperative

The XYZ Affair: Diplomatic Intrigue and a Quasi-War with France

The United States was formally born in 1776 when it declared itself independent from Great Britain. But when dealing with international diplomacy, there is no time for a learning curve — it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. This was something the United States learned early in its infancy when its friendly relationship with France was …

Louisiana Purchase: Date, Cost, Importance, and Results

by James Hardy

The Louisiana Purchase was a significant 1803 deal where the United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, doubling the size of the U.S., for $15 million. This acquisition significantly influenced America’s expansion westward and its development as a nation. Background and Importance The Louisiana Purchase, a monumental event in United States …