Question

Why was control of the Mississippi River an important part of the Louisiana purchase

Answer 1

Western farmers counted on on the Mississippi River to transport their wheat, corn and other goods. Spain controlled the New Orleans Port which was extremely important in the transportation of goods. Thomas Pinckney was sent by the US to find a way to keep the port on the river open. US clearly understood the economical significance of the river, hence tried to do their best to gain control over it.