The Gadsden Purchase: Understanding the US Acquisition and Payment
On December 30, 1853, the United States made a significant acquisition when it purchased a portion of southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico from Mexico. Known as the Gadsden Purchase (or Venta de La Mesilla in Spanish), this agreement was distinct from earlier purchases like the Gadsden Treaty in 1848 and the preceding military takeover in 1846. This article delves into the details of this acquisition, the states involved, and the financial implications.
Historical Context and Precedents
The Gadsden Purchase was not a post-war peace treaty, as was the case with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 that ended the Mexican-American War. Instead, it was a standalone purchase, negotiated separately. The original agreement, known as the Gadsden Treaty, was designed to buy a much larger area of land, but the U.S. Congress later reduced the size of the territory that was actually purchased.
Land Acquisition Details
What exactly was purchased? The Gadsden Purchase contained about 30,000 square miles in present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The Arizona portion, which includes parts of the Phoenix metro area, became a significant part of the state's population and economy. In contrast, the New Mexico portion was (and remains) very sparsely populated, with less than a handful of communities.
Financial Transaction
The Gadsden Purchase occurred at a time when the U.S. currency was valued at a specific level, which is why the price was set at 10 million dollars. However, to modernize comparisons, the value of this purchase in 2017 dollars is approximately 270 million. It's essential to note that this figure accounted for the cost of additional land that was purchased alongside the Gadsden Purchase. In total, the additional land cost 15 million dollars, or about 420 million in 2017.
Legislative Details and Congressional Approval
Contrary to some narratives, the Gadsden Purchase wasn't entirely driven by military strategy or conquest. The U.S. made these acquisitions in part to gain easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and to secure a southern railway route. The Senate approved the deal in early 1854, and it was ratified by both the U.S. and Mexican governments.
Impact of the Gadsden Purchase
The impact of the Gadsden Purchase was significant for both the United States and Mexico. For the U.S., the addition of these territories strengthened its western border and provided a strategic location for a southern transcontinental railroad.
Arizona and New Mexico
The Arizona territory, particularly its southern regions, received a significant influx of population due to the discovery of silver in the late 19th century. This led to the establishment of mining towns and further economic growth. The New Mexico portion, however, remained relatively underpopulated and was primarily used for ranching and agriculture.
International Relations and Modern Borders
The purchase solidified the modern-day borders between the United States and Mexico. This agreement was part of the broader series of land acquisitions that defined the western expansion of the United States. While the purchase was controversial at the time, encompassing the displaced indigenous populations and the economic implications for both nations, it became a hallmark of American territorial growth.
In conclusion, the Gadsden Purchase was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, marking a significant expansion of American territory. Though often misunderstood as simply a land grab, it was the result of a strategic agreement that had far-reaching implications for both nations. Today, the legacy of the Gadsden Purchase is a reminder of the complex dynamics of territorial acquisition and the lasting impact on regional development.