Which Man Was President When The Gadsden Purchase Was Completed In 1853?A. Andrew Johnson B. Abraham Lincoln C. Ulysses S. Grant D. Franklin Pierce

by ADMIN 153 views

The Gadsden Purchase, also known as the Treaty of Mesilla, was a significant event in American history that took place in 1853. This treaty marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico, which is now part of the southwestern United States. In this article, we will explore the history behind the Gadsden Purchase and identify the president who was in office when it was completed.

Background to the Gadsden Purchase

The Gadsden Purchase was a result of the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty established the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico, but it also left a disputed territory between the two countries. The territory in question was a large tract of land that included parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico.

The Negotiations

In 1853, James Gadsden, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, was tasked with negotiating a treaty to acquire this disputed territory. Gadsden was a skilled diplomat who had previously served as the Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce. He was well-respected in Mexico and had a good understanding of the country's politics.

The Treaty of Mesilla

On December 30, 1853, Gadsden signed the Treaty of Mesilla with the Mexican government. The treaty established the border between the United States and Mexico and provided for the acquisition of the disputed territory by the United States. The treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate on April 25, 1854.

The President Who Was in Office When the Gadsden Purchase Was Completed

So, which president was in office when the Gadsden Purchase was completed in 1853? The answer is D. Franklin Pierce. Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. He was a strong supporter of the Gadsden Purchase and played a key role in negotiating the treaty.

Why Was the Gadsden Purchase Important?

The Gadsden Purchase was an important event in American history for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico, which expanded the United States' territory. Secondly, it established the border between the United States and Mexico, which has remained largely unchanged to this day. Finally, the Gadsden Purchase marked the beginning of a new era of American expansionism, which would continue for the next several decades.

The Impact of the Gadsden Purchase

The Gadsden Purchase had a significant impact on the development of the southwestern United States. The acquisition of the disputed territory provided the United States with access to the Pacific Ocean and opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The purchase also led to the establishment of new cities and towns, including Tucson and Phoenix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gadsden Purchase was a significant event in American history that marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico. The purchase was completed in 1853, during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. The Gadsden Purchase was an important event that expanded the United States' territory, established the border between the United States and Mexico, and marked the beginning of a new era of American expansionism.

Key Dates

  • 1848: The Mexican-American War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
  • 1853: James Gadsden signs the Treaty of Mesilla with the Mexican government.
  • 1854: The Treaty of Mesilla is ratified by the U.S. Senate.
  • 1857: Franklin Pierce's presidency ends.

Key Figures

  • James Gadsden: The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who negotiated the Treaty of Mesilla.
  • Franklin Pierce: The 14th President of the United States who supported the Gadsden Purchase.
  • Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of the United States who was not in office when the Gadsden Purchase was completed.
  • Ulysses S. Grant: The 18th President of the United States who was not in office when the Gadsden Purchase was completed.
  • Andrew Johnson: The 17th President of the United States who was not in office when the Gadsden Purchase was completed.

Sources

  • "The Gadsden Purchase" by the Library of Congress.
  • "The Treaty of Mesilla" by the U.S. Department of State.
  • "Franklin Pierce" by the White House.
  • "James Gadsden" by the National Archives.
    Gadsden Purchase Q&A =====================

The Gadsden Purchase was a significant event in American history that marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Gadsden Purchase.

Q: What was the Gadsden Purchase?

A: The Gadsden Purchase, also known as the Treaty of Mesilla, was a treaty signed on December 30, 1853, between the United States and Mexico. The treaty established the border between the two countries and provided for the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico.

Q: Why was the Gadsden Purchase important?

A: The Gadsden Purchase was important for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico, which expanded the United States' territory. Secondly, it established the border between the United States and Mexico, which has remained largely unchanged to this day. Finally, the Gadsden Purchase marked the beginning of a new era of American expansionism, which would continue for the next several decades.

Q: Who was James Gadsden?

A: James Gadsden was the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who negotiated the Treaty of Mesilla. He was a skilled diplomat who had previously served as the Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.

Q: Who was Franklin Pierce?

A: Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States who served from 1853 to 1857. He was a strong supporter of the Gadsden Purchase and played a key role in negotiating the treaty.

Q: What was the significance of the Rio Grande?

A: The Rio Grande was a significant river that formed the border between the United States and Mexico. The treaty established the Rio Grande as the border between the two countries.

Q: What were the terms of the Treaty of Mesilla?

A: The Treaty of Mesilla provided for the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico, which included parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico. The treaty also established the border between the United States and Mexico and provided for the exchange of prisoners.

Q: How did the Gadsden Purchase affect the development of the southwestern United States?

A: The Gadsden Purchase had a significant impact on the development of the southwestern United States. The acquisition of the disputed territory provided the United States with access to the Pacific Ocean and opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The purchase also led to the establishment of new cities and towns, including Tucson and Phoenix.

Q: What were the consequences of the Gadsden Purchase?

A: The Gadsden Purchase had several consequences. Firstly, it led to the expansion of the United States' territory, which had significant implications for the country's economy and politics. Secondly, it established the border between the United States and Mexico, which has remained largely unchanged to this day. Finally, the Gadsden Purchase marked the beginning of a new era of American expansionism, which would continue for the next several decades.

Q: What is the current status of the Gadsden Purchase?

A: The Gadsden Purchase is still in effect today. The treaty established the border between the United States and Mexico, which has remained largely unchanged to this day. The purchase also led to the establishment of new cities and towns, including Tucson and Phoenix, which continue to thrive today.

Q: How can I learn more about the Gadsden Purchase?

A: There are several resources available for learning more about the Gadsden Purchase. These include:

  • The Library of Congress: The Library of Congress has a wealth of information on the Gadsden Purchase, including primary sources and historical documents.
  • The U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State has a wealth of information on the Gadsden Purchase, including the treaty itself and historical documents.
  • The National Archives: The National Archives has a wealth of information on the Gadsden Purchase, including primary sources and historical documents.
  • Online resources: There are several online resources available for learning more about the Gadsden Purchase, including articles, books, and documentaries.

Conclusion

The Gadsden Purchase was a significant event in American history that marked the acquisition of a large tract of land from Mexico. The purchase had significant implications for the development of the southwestern United States and marked the beginning of a new era of American expansionism. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of the Gadsden Purchase and its significance in American history.