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?

Answer 1

I just did a Study Island and just did this question the study island answer is:

They wanted to build a railroad route through the area.

Answer 2

The United States wanted this piece of land, because they wanted to install a train route that would run from an extensive southern route. This railroad would be used to run along the Pacific Coast of the United States.