Which one of the 6 territories that were brought under the flag of the United States was the most important to the growth of the country?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the importance of each of the six territories brought under the flag of the United States varied in different ways. However, some might argue that the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was the most important in terms of the country's growth.
The Louisiana Purchase involved the acquisition of approximately 828,000 square miles of land from France, doubling the size of the United States. This territory encompassed all or part of 15 present-day states and two Canadian provinces, making it a critical expansion for the young nation. The purchase provided vast natural resources, including fertile land for agricultural development, access to important waterways like the Mississippi River, and control over the port of New Orleans, which became a vital trade center.
The Louisiana Purchase also opened up new opportunities for westward expansion and exploration, including the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. This expansion paved the way for the eventual settlement and development of the western territories that followed, such as the Oregon Territory, California, and the Great Plains.
It is important to note that other territories, such as the Alaska Purchase (1867), the Mexican Cession (1848), and the Gadsden Purchase (1853), also played crucial roles in the expansion and growth of the United States. Each territory brought unique benefits and opportunities, contributing to the overall growth of the nation.