Lesson 80 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe Gadsden Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase, finalized in 1854, was a significant land acquisition by the United States from Mexico, intended primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route.
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The Gadsden Purchase, finalized in 1854, was a significant land acquisition by the United States from Mexico, intended primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route. The U.S. government purchased approximately 29,670 square miles of land, which comprises parts of present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico. This acquisition aimed to ensure the expansion of railroads and improve transportation infrastructure, furthering American economic interests in the region. However, like previous land acquisitions, the Gadsden Purchase also reignited debates over the extension of slavery into new territories, exacerbating sectional tensions in the lead-up to the Civil War.
Key Facts
The Gadsden Purchase was finalized in 1854.
The U.S. acquired approximately 29,670 square miles of land from Mexico.
The purchase aimed to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route.
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1 of 2What was the primary objective of the Gadsden Purchase?
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