Gadsden Purchase

Definition

The Gadsden Purchase was an 1853 agreement in which the United States acquired a small portion of land from Mexico, specifically parts of present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico. This acquisition aimed to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and was significant in the context of territorial expansion and Manifest Destiny, highlighting the U.S. desire to spread its territory across North America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gadsden Purchase occurred on December 30, 1853, when U.S. Ambassador James Gadsden negotiated the deal with Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
2. The U.S. paid $10 million for approximately 29,670 square miles of land, which included valuable resources and strategically important routes.
3. The acquisition was controversial and faced opposition from some Northern politicians who believed it was an attempt to expand slavery into new territories.
4. The Gadsden Purchase completed the continental United States as we know it today, providing a clearer border with Mexico and paving the way for future development.
5. The land acquired in this purchase became integral for southern routes of the transcontinental railroad, enhancing trade connectivity between the eastern and western United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Gadsden Purchase reflect the ideals of Manifest Destiny in the mid-19th century?
  • The Gadsden Purchase is a clear manifestation of Manifest Destiny, as it represented the U.S. belief in its right and duty to expand its territory across North America. The acquisition of land was not merely about geography; it symbolized a commitment to extending American values and institutions into new areas. The purchase was also aimed at facilitating a southern transcontinental railroad, which further illustrated the desire to connect different parts of the country and promote economic growth.
• Discuss the implications of the Gadsden Purchase for U.S.-Mexico relations in the years following its enactment.
  • The Gadsden Purchase had lasting implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, as it followed a period of conflict marked by the Mexican-American War. While it resolved some border disputes, it also fostered resentment among Mexicans who viewed it as an example of American expansionism and imperialism. The purchase highlighted ongoing tensions over territorial boundaries and national sovereignty that would continue to affect diplomatic relations between the two countries well into the future.
• Evaluate how the Gadsden Purchase influenced both transportation developments and debates over slavery in the United States during this era.
  • The Gadsden Purchase significantly influenced transportation developments by providing key land for southern routes of the transcontinental railroad, which were crucial for economic expansion and connectivity between different regions. However, this acquisition also intensified debates over slavery, as many Northern politicians feared that extending slave territory into new regions would strengthen pro-slavery interests. This tension over how new territories would be governed contributed to sectional divisions that ultimately played a role in precipitating the Civil War.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Mexican-American War:

A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 that resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Transcontinental Railroad: A railroad that would span the continent, facilitating trade, travel, and communication across North America.