Question

In 1853, the United States paid Mexico $10 million for the southwestern part of New Mexico and the area in Arizona south of the Gila River in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase. Why did the United States want this piece of land? A. The area was heavily populated with many thriving cities. B. They wanted to build a railroad route through the area. C. They thought there were vast deposits of gold in the area. D. There were deep water ports with access to the Pacific Ocean.

Answer 1

B

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States paid Mexico $10 million for the Gadsden Purchase because they thought it would be the best place for a southern railroad route to the Pacific Ocean. Because the Rocky Mountains spanned across much of the U.S.'s territory in the West, they had limited options for building railroad routes. The area in the Gadsden Purchase was less mountainous, and a railroad was eventually built there.

Answer 2

Your correct answer is B.