The Gadsden Purchase

Historical Significance and Background

In 1853, James Gadsden, the United States Ambassador to Mexico, purchased an area of 29,670 square miles by signing an agreement with Mexico. Today, this area constitutes part of Arizona and New Mexico. This purchase was made to facilitate the proposed transcontinental railroad route passing through the southern United States.

Development of the Event

Preceding the Agreement

In the 1850s, the United States experienced a period aimed at expanding westward. However, expanding the western borders was necessary to achieve this goal. Therefore, the United States attempted to acquire certain areas in Mexican territory through purchase or agreements.

Signing of the Agreement

In 1853, James Gadsden expanded the southern borders of the United States by signing an agreement with Mexico. This agreement is known as the Gadsden Purchase and includes the territories of Arizona and New Mexico. The United States purchased this land for $10 million.

Purpose of the Agreement

The Gadsden Purchase aimed to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad line in the southern United States. The completion of this line was of great importance in terms of trade and transportation. Additionally, it was seen as a significant step in supporting the United States' policy of westward expansion.

Consequences and Effects

The short-term effects of the Gadsden Purchase include the expansion of the southern borders of the United States and the support of the westward expansion policy. Additionally, economic and social developments were accelerated in the southern regions of the United States.

Among the long-term outcomes, the Gadsden Purchase played a major role in determining the southern borders of the United States. Furthermore, this purchase became a part of the United States' policy of westward expansion in history.

The Gadsden Purchase is considered an important step in defining the southern borders of the United States and supporting the expansion policy. This event represents the social and political changes in the history of the United States.

Historical Significance and Relevance to the Present Day

The significance of the Gadsden Purchase in the present day lies in determining the southern borders of the United States and being a part of the westward expansion policy. This agreement is an example of territorial expansion in the history of the United States.

Furthermore, the relevance of the Gadsden Purchase in the present day is its contribution to the acceleration of economic and social developments in the southern regions of the United States. This agreement facilitated the development of railway transportation in these regions and helped increase trade.

Lessons drawn from the Gadsden Purchase include making international agreements in accordance with national interests and considering the economic and social impacts of expansion policies. This event is an important example of foreign policy decisions in the history of the United States.