TOEFL iBT Reading 問題チャレンジ！！/ Reading / Sample Passage : The Louisiana Purchase / American History

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難易度は 3 です。（5段階評価です。主観的判断です。。）

Passage

The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was one of the most significant events in American history. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States, added 828,000 square miles of territory, and paved the way for westward expansion. The land, purchased from France for $15 million, extended from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. However, the deal was not without controversy, as it raised questions about constitutional authority and the limits of presidential power.

At the time, France, under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, needed funds to support its military campaigns in Europe. Additionally, maintaining control over the Louisiana Territory had become increasingly difficult due to conflicts with Native American tribes and the logistical challenges of governing a vast, distant land. For these reasons, Napoleon agreed to sell the territory to the United States, a decision that would have long-lasting effects on both nations.

President Thomas Jefferson played a key role in the Louisiana Purchase, though he faced criticism for his actions. As a strict constructionist, Jefferson had long argued that the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Constitution. However, the Constitution did not specifically authorize the purchase of foreign territory. Jefferson ultimately justified the acquisition as part of the president’s treaty-making powers, though this rationale sparked heated debate among political leaders.

The Louisiana Purchase had profound implications for the young United States. Economically, it provided access to vast natural resources and fertile land for agriculture, strengthening the nation's economy. Politically, it bolstered the idea of Manifest Destiny—the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent. However, the acquisition also had negative consequences. The expansion of territory heightened tensions over slavery, as new states were added to the Union. Additionally, it displaced countless Native American tribes, leading to conflicts that would persist for decades.

In hindsight, the Louisiana Purchase is widely regarded as a landmark achievement. It demonstrated the United States’ ability to negotiate on the global stage and laid the foundation for its transformation into a continental power. Despite the challenges it presented, the acquisition fundamentally reshaped the nation's identity and future.

Questions

1. What was the primary motivation for France to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States?
A) France wanted to support Native American tribes in the region.
B) Napoleon needed funds for military campaigns in Europe.
C) France wanted to strengthen its ties with the United States.
D) France feared losing the territory to Britain in a war.

2. Why did the Louisiana Purchase create controversy in the United States?
A) It required approval from the British government.
B) It caused disputes over how to divide the land.
C) It raised constitutional questions about presidential power.
D) It was seen as a violation of Native American treaties.

3. How did the Louisiana Purchase contribute to the concept of Manifest Destiny?
A) By securing alliances with European nations
B) By encouraging the abolition of slavery
C) By expanding U.S. territory across the continent
D) By increasing the power of the federal government

4. According to the passage, what was one negative consequence of the Louisiana Purchase?
A) It reduced access to natural resources.
B) It caused economic instability in the U.S.
C) It intensified conflicts with Native American tribes.
D) It led to disputes with France over land rights.

5. The author describes Jefferson as a "strict constructionist." What does this mean?
A) He supported broad interpretations of the Constitution.
B) He believed the government should only exercise clearly defined constitutional powers.
C) He opposed the acquisition of any foreign territory.
D) He wanted to limit presidential authority in treaty negotiations.

6. Which of the following is implied about the Louisiana Purchase?
A) It immediately ended conflicts over slavery in new states.
B) It strengthened the United States’ global reputation.
C) It resolved disputes with Native American tribes.
D) It was strongly opposed by all political leaders.

7. What is the tone of the passage?
A) Critical
B) Objective
C) Persuasive
D) Optimistic

8. Which of the following best summarizes the impact of the Louisiana Purchase?
A) It primarily benefited France by funding its military campaigns.
B) It created economic and political challenges for the United States.
C) It doubled the size of the U.S. and shaped its future as a continental power.
D) It temporarily delayed westward expansion due to constitutional debates.

9. Summary Question:
Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.

Introductory Sentence:
The Louisiana Purchase was a significant event in American history that transformed the United States politically, economically, and territorially.

Answer Choices:

1. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and laid the groundwork for westward expansion.

2. France sold the Louisiana Territory because it needed funds to support its European military campaigns.

3. The Louisiana Purchase completely resolved tensions over slavery and strengthened national unity.

4. President Jefferson justified the purchase despite constitutional concerns about presidential authority.

5. The acquisition allowed the United States to establish strong alliances with Native American tribes.

6. The Louisiana Purchase contributed to economic growth but also intensified conflicts with Native Americans.