Introduction:
The Gadsden Purchase, also known as the Treaty of La Mesilla, was a transaction between the United States and Mexico in 1853. This agreement allowed the US to purchase a large area of land from Mexico, which would later become part of the states of Arizona and New Mexico. Here are 15 essential facts about this historic event that shaped the western borders of the United States.
Fact 1: The Gadsden Purchase was negotiated by James Gadsden
James Gadsden, who was the US Minister to Mexico at the time, negotiated the purchase on behalf of the United States. The treaty was signed on December 30, 1853.
Fact 2: The US paid $10 million for the land
The United States paid Mexico $10 million for the land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase. This amounted to about 29,670 square miles of territory.
Fact 3: The purpose of the purchase was to build a southern transcontinental railroad
One of the main reasons for the Gadsden Purchase was to secure a route for a southern transcontinental railroad. The United States wanted a faster and more direct route to connect the east and west coasts.
Fact 4: The purchase was controversial in both countries
The Gadsden Purchase was met with controversy in both the United States and Mexico. Many Americans questioned the need for the additional land, while Mexicans saw it as a loss of territory.
Fact 5: The purchase was ratified by the US Senate
After the treaty was signed, it had to be ratified by the United States Senate. It passed with a vote of 35-10 on April 25, 1854.
Fact 6: The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase is mostly desert
The majority of the land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase is desert. This presented challenges for settlement and development in the region.
Fact 7: The Gadsden Purchase established the current US-Mexico border
The Gadsden Purchase helped establish the current border between the United States and Mexico. This border has remained relatively unchanged since the treaty was signed in 1853.
Fact 8: The Gadsden Purchase was supported by President Franklin Pierce
President Franklin Pierce was a strong supporter of the Gadsden Purchase. He believed that acquiring the additional land would benefit the United States.
Fact 9: The Gadsden Purchase was part of Manifest Destiny
The Gadsden Purchase was seen as part of the concept of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.
Fact 10: The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase includes parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico
The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase includes parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico. These areas have since become important regions in the United States.
Fact 11: The region acquired in the Gadsden Purchase is rich in mineral resources
The region acquired in the Gadsden Purchase is rich in mineral resources, including copper and silver. This has contributed to the economic development of the area.
Fact 12: The Gadsden Purchase helped avoid conflict with Mexico
By negotiating the Gadsden Purchase, the United States was able to avoid potential conflict with Mexico over territorial disputes. This helped maintain peaceful relations between the two countries.
Fact 13: The Gadsden Purchase was criticized for its high price
Some critics of the Gadsden Purchase argued that the United States paid too high a price for the land acquired. They believed that a better deal could have been negotiated.
Fact 14: The Gadsden Purchase is considered a historical landmark
The Gadsden Purchase is considered a historical landmark in the expansion of the United States. It played a significant role in shaping the western borders of the country.
Fact 15: The Gadsden Purchase paved the way for future territorial acquisitions
The Gadsden Purchase paved the way for future territorial acquisitions by the United States. It set a precedent for expanding the country’s borders through negotiation and diplomacy.
Conclusion
The Gadsden Purchase remains a pivotal event in American history, marking the acquisition of key territory that would shape the future development of the United States. By understanding these 15 essential facts about the Gadsden Purchase, we gain a deeper appreciation for the impact it had on the country’s growth and expansion.
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.
Comments