Gadsden Purchase

Definition

The Gadsden Purchase was an 1854 agreement in which the United States acquired a strip of land from Mexico, which is now southern Arizona and New Mexico. This acquisition aimed to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and was a significant event in the broader context of U.S.-Mexican relations following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gadsden Purchase involved the U.S. paying $10 million to Mexico for approximately 29,670 square miles of land.
2. It was negotiated by James Gadsden, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who saw the purchase as vital for southern railroad development.
3. The acquisition completed the contiguous borders of the United States and was controversial due to concerns about slavery's expansion into new territories.
4. The purchase was significant for U.S.-Mexico relations as it demonstrated ongoing territorial ambitions and established boundaries that are still recognized today.
5. The Gadsden Purchase is often viewed as a final act of Manifest Destiny, further solidifying U.S. territorial claims in North America.

Review Questions

• How did the Gadsden Purchase influence the development of transportation infrastructure in the United States?
  • The Gadsden Purchase played a crucial role in advancing transportation infrastructure by providing land necessary for the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. This railroad would connect southern states with western territories, enhancing trade and travel. The acquisition facilitated economic growth in the region and ensured that transportation routes would support westward expansion, reflecting the nation's commitment to building a cohesive national infrastructure.
• Evaluate the political implications of the Gadsden Purchase on U.S.-Mexico relations in the years following its signing.
  • The Gadsden Purchase had significant political implications for U.S.-Mexico relations by highlighting ongoing tensions over territorial ambitions. While it resolved some border disputes following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, it also deepened mistrust between the two nations as Mexico viewed it as another example of American expansionism. This purchase contributed to a legacy of conflict and negotiation over borders that would continue to shape bilateral relations well into the future.
• Assess how the Gadsden Purchase reflects broader themes of territorial expansion and national identity during the mid-19th century in America.
  • The Gadsden Purchase exemplifies broader themes of territorial expansion and national identity by showcasing America's drive for Manifest Destiny during the mid-19th century. This acquisition not only secured valuable land for economic development but also reinforced a sense of American exceptionalism as citizens believed they were destined to expand across the continent. The purchase illustrated how territorial gains were seen as crucial to fulfilling this national vision while also raising complex questions about slavery, governance, and indigenous rights in newly acquired lands.

Related terms

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

An 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in Mexico ceding a large portion of its northern territories to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Transcontinental Railroad: A railroad that would span the continent from coast to coast, facilitating trade, travel, and communication across the United States, with significant implications for westward expansion.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent, justifying actions like territorial acquisitions and conflicts with Native Americans and Mexico.