Spain continued to harass trade moving down the Mississippi, occasionally blocking all use of the river. Leaders of the US wante

Response:

1. During this period, Spain controlled the Louisiana territory and had a border with the Mississippi River to the east.

2. The United States government at that time lacked the $15 million required.

Explanation:

1. Spain persistently hindered trade along the Mississippi, sometimes completely obstructing access to the river. Why? - Because prior to the Louisiana purchase, Spain owned the territory and bordered the Mississippi River in the east. Thus, they intermittently blocked all usage of the river.

2. The US leaders aimed to purchase New Orleans, but Congressional efforts failed to formulate a monetary offer. Why? - Because the $15 million price tag was a significant sum for the US government to muster at that time, leading them to secure loans from two European banks.