what were the events leading up to the gadsden purchase
The events leading up to the Gadsden Purchase were:
1. Mexican-American War (1846-1848): The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which officially ended the conflict between Mexico and the United States. As part of this treaty, Mexico agreed to cede a large portion of its territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Texas.
2. Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny, which was the idea that it was the divine right and duty of the United States to expand across the entire North American continent, played a significant role in the events leading up to the Gadsden Purchase. Many politicians and citizens believed that the United States should extend its control over more territories in the West.
3. Railway Routes to the Pacific: As the United States expanded westward, there was a growing desire for faster and more efficient transportation routes to connect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Building a transcontinental railroad became a priority for the United States, and southern routes were considered more feasible than northern routes due to geographical obstacles.
4. National Interest in Southern Route: The Gadsden Purchase was primarily driven by a national interest in securing a southern route for the proposed transcontinental railroad. Southern politicians, particularly those from the Deep South, advocated for a southern route that would pass through their states, as it would bring economic and strategic benefits to the region.
5. Negotiations with Mexico: American diplomat James Gadsden was appointed as Minister to Mexico in 1853, and he was tasked with negotiating the purchase of additional territory from Mexico for the railroad project. After several rounds of negotiations, the Gadsden Purchase was made in 1853, wherein the United States acquired 29,670 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million.
Overall, the events leading up to the Gadsden Purchase involved the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, the idea of Manifest Destiny, the desire for a southern railway route, and negotiations between the United States and Mexico.