The Gadsden Purchase was a land transaction that expanded the United States’ territory, brokered by the American diplomat James Gadsden and Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna. The purchase involved an area of land in present-day Arizona and New Mexico, and added to the United States’ control over the Southwest region. The transaction was motivated by the United States’ desire to secure a southern transcontinental railroad route.
Gadsden Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase was a transaction between the United States and Mexico in 1853, which resulted in the United States acquiring land that is now part of Arizona and New Mexico. The purchase was negotiated by James Gadsden, the U.S. Minister to Mexico, and cost the United States $10 million.
Reasons for the Purchase
- To acquire land for a southern transcontinental railroad. The United States was planning to build a transcontinental railroad that would connect the eastern and western United States. The Gadsden Purchase gave the United States control of a key pass through the Rocky Mountains, which was necessary for the construction of the railroad.
- To resolve border disputes. The border between the United States and Mexico was not clearly defined in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. The Gadsden Purchase helped to resolve these disputes by establishing a new border between the two countries.
Terms of the Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase consisted of two parcels of land:
- The Mesilla Valley. This valley is located in southern New Mexico and was home to a large population of Mexican settlers.
- The Gila River Valley. This valley is located in southern Arizona and was home to a small population of Native Americans.
The United States paid Mexico $10 million for the two parcels of land. The purchase was approved by the U.S. Senate in 1854.
Impact of the Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase had a significant impact on the United States:
- It allowed for the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The railroad was completed in 1869 and connected the eastern and western United States, making it much easier to travel and trade between the two regions.
- It helped to resolve border disputes with Mexico. The purchase established a new border between the two countries, which helped to prevent future conflicts.
- It added to the size of the United States. The Gadsden Purchase added approximately 29,000 square miles to the United States, making it the eighth-largest state in terms of area.
Table of Key Facts
| Key Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Purchase | December 30, 1853 |
| Negotiator | James Gadsden |
| Cost | $10 million |
| Area Acquired | 29,000 square miles |
| States Added | Arizona, New Mexico |
Question 1: What is the Gadsden Purchase in the context of American history?
Answer:
– Subject: Gadsden Purchase
– Predicate: is the purchase
– Object: of land from Mexico by the United States
Question 2: Who was involved in the Gadsden Purchase transaction?
Answer:
– Subject: Gadsden Purchase
– Predicate: was a transaction
– Entity: United States
– Attribute: purchaser
– Value: of land
– Entity: Mexico
– Attribute: seller
Question 3: What were the motivations behind the Gadsden Purchase?
Answer:
– Subject: Gadsden Purchase motivations
– Predicate: were expansionist desires
– Entity: United States
– Attribute: desire
– Value: for more land
– Entity: Mexico
– Attribute: desire
– Value: for revenue
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