The gadsden purchase enabled the united states to do which of the following?
A. gain access to important natural resources in the southwest
B. increase crop production in the southwest
C. link to the southwest by railway system
D. provide better defenses against mexico
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To determine the answer to this question, we can examine the historical context of the Gadsden Purchase. The Gadsden Purchase refers to the agreement between the United States and Mexico in 1853, which resulted in the US acquiring a significant portion of present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. This transaction occurred under President Franklin Pierce's administration.
The Gadsden Purchase primarily aimed to address several key objectives for the United States. These included:
1. **Provide better defenses against Mexico:** After the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the border between the United States and Mexico became a significant concern. The US government wanted to establish a more-defined and defensible border, especially with tensions in the region still high. Therefore, option D, the Gadsden Purchase provided better defenses against Mexico, can be considered a valid answer.
2. **Link to the southwest by a railway system:** At the time, there was a strong push to expand transportation networks, particularly via railroad construction. The Gadsden Purchase region was envisioned as a potential path for a southern transcontinental railway route. Therefore, option C, linking to the southwest by a railway system, is also a valid answer.
3. **Gain access to important natural resources in the southwest:** The region acquired through the Gadsden Purchase was known to contain valuable resources, including mineral deposits such as copper. The acquisition allowed the United States to gain access to these natural resources. Therefore, option A, gaining access to important natural resources in the southwest, is another valid answer.
However, it's worth noting that the Gadsden Purchase did not explicitly aim to increase crop production in the southwest. Therefore, option B is not a correct answer.
In summary, the Gadsden Purchase enabled the United States to do the following:
A. Gain access to important natural resources in the southwest.
C. Link to the southwest by a railway system.
D. Provide better defenses against Mexico.