What was the significance of the Gadsden Purchase (1854)?

The Gadsden Purchase, completed in 1854, was significant primarily because it facilitated the construction of a transcontinental railroad, specifically favoring a southern route. The territory acquired through this purchase included parts of present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico, which provided the vital land needed to connect the eastern United States with California and other western territories.

This acquisition helped to address logistical challenges related to transportation and helped promote westward expansion, which was a major component of the American identity during that era. As the U.S. sought to engage more fully with its western territories, the need for efficient transport routes became increasingly pressing. Consequently, the Gadsden Purchase not only contributed to the development of necessary infrastructure but also played a role in solidifying the southern boundary of the United States.

While the other options might contain elements of truth regarding U.S. history, they do not accurately represent the primary significance of the Gadsden Purchase. For instance, the annexation of Texas happened earlier in 1845, and the establishment of boundaries had already been shaped through previous treaties, such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. The Gadsden Purchase was less about ending hostilities with Mexico and more focused on creating pathways for