Which European country owned the largest territory in what is now the US?

Answer 1

France and Spain have both owned the largest territory in the US. Originally claimed by France, the territory of Louisiana (which had an area of 2,140,000 km2) was transferred from France to its ally of Spain during the Seven Years' War to prevent the British from acquiring the land. It was then transferred back to France during Napoleon's rule to create a large slave/plantation plant with its other territory of Haiti. However, as this was proving to be useless, the US was looking to expand its territory. It offered to buy the city of New Orleans from France but France offered the whole Louisiana territory to the country for a little more than was initially offered.

The second largest territory in US history was Alaska, owned by the Russians. As time drew on, this land seemed pointless for Russia to keep as it was just miles and miles of barren snow and ice. Again, the US went looking for more territory and crossed upon Alaska. They bought the territory from Russia for two cents an acre (about 8.5 million dollars). However, this purchase proved profitable as it was soon discovered that Alaska was full of oil.