The answer is B: saw experienced British troops face battle-hardened American forces.
Explanation for each option:
A. "The Battle of New Orleans took place weeks after the war had officially ended." - This statement is true. The Treaty of Ghent, which officially ended the War of 1812, was signed on December 24, 1814. However, the Battle of New Orleans occurred on January 8, 1815, due to slow communication methods of the time, meaning news of the treaty had not yet reached the combatants.
B. "Saw experienced British troops face battle-hardened American forces." - This is correct. The British forces were experienced, having fought in the Napoleonic Wars, and the American forces, led by Andrew Jackson, were well-prepared and had gained experience from previous battles in the war.
C. "Resulted in hundreds of American deaths." - This is incorrect. The American forces suffered relatively few casualties compared to the British. The British had over 2,000 casualties, while the Americans had around 70.
D. "Saw the British lay siege to the city for nearly a month." - This is incorrect. The British did not lay siege to New Orleans. The battle was a direct assault by the British on American defensive positions.
E. "Gave the British control of the Mississippi River." - This is incorrect. The British were defeated in the Battle of New Orleans, and as a result, they did not gain control of the Mississippi River. The victory secured American control over the region.