Lesson 80 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe Gadsden Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase took place in 1853 when the United States bought a small piece of land from Mexico, located in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.
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Then & Now
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The Gadsden Purchase took place in 1853 when the United States bought a small piece of land from Mexico, located in present-day Arizona and New Mexico. This purchase was made to help build a southern route for a transcontinental railroad. The Gadsden Purchase helped finalize the borders of the continental United States and furthered westward expansion, making travel and trade easier across the country.
Key Facts
The Gadsden Purchase occurred in 1853.
It involved land in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.
The purchase helped to build a southern route for a railroad.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What was the purpose of the Gadsden Purchase?
Why this still matters
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