What Event is Referred to as The Great Purchase?

The term "The Great Purchase" can refer to multiple significant land acquisitions in American history. This article delves into three major land purchases, the most well-known of which is the Louisiana Purchase, the lesser-known Alaska Purchase, and the often-overlooked Gadsden Purchase. Each of these events played a crucial role in shaping the United States as we know it today.

The Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase is one of the most pivotal events in American history, transforming the nation from a small coastal republic into a transcontinental power. In 1803, the United States purchased approximately 828,000 square miles of land from France for just $15 million, or roughly 3 cents per acre. This acquisition more than doubled the size of the United States at that time and added a vast region that would eventually become fifteen new states.

The impact of the Louisiana Purchase was immense. It effectively doubled the nation’s territory and laid the groundwork for future expansion. However, it also had severe consequences for Native American communities, whose lands were forcibly taken. It marked a significant divergence from the approach of the early American republic, which had championed the concept of limited federal power.

Though the purchase was seen as a landmark achievement, it also raised controversial questions about the moral and ethical implications of acquiring land from other nations and peoples. The treaty of cession was signed by Napoleon Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson, and the land was ceded by France to the United States.

The Alaska Purchase

The second significant purchase worth mentioning is the Alaska Purchase, also known as the Seward’s Folly. In 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated this deal, purchasing Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, or approximately 2 cents per acre. Both the public and some politicians viewed this acquisition as a costly and unnecessary move, hence the name Seward's Folly. However, the purchase of Alaska proved immensely beneficial for the United States in the long term.

Little was known about the vast territory that Russia was selling, and many Americans were skeptical. It was not until gold was discovered in Alaska in 1896 and oil fields in the late 20th century that the value of the purchase became clear. Today, Alaska is a vital part of the United States, contributing significantly to its economy and strategic interests, particularly due to its natural resources.

Despite the initial resistance, the purchase of Alaska provided the United States with a portal to the Pacific, ensuring American influence in the region. It also helped solidify the nation's position as a world power and laid the groundwork for future territorial acquisitions and international relations.

The Gadsden Purchase

The third major purchase is the Gadsden Purchase, which occurred between 1853 and 1854. This acquisition involved the United States purchasing approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million. This purchase included the southern third of what is now Arizona and a portion of southwestern New Mexico, extending the U.S. border to the Gila River.

The Gadsden Purchase, negotiated by James Gadsden, the American ambassador to Mexico, was motivated by the need for a more direct railroad route to the Pacific. The original plan was to build the southern transcontinental railroad through Mexico, but this plan was ultimately rejected in favor of the more commonly known survey for a railroad route along the northern border with Mexico.

The territory acquired through the Gadsden Purchase was eventually integrated into the United States, becoming part of the states of Arizona and New Mexico. This purchase demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of the United States in pursuing its interests, even in the face of opposition from other nations.

While the Gadsden Purchase is less well-known than the other two acquisitions, it was a significant event in the history of the United States, contributing to the nation's territorial expansion and economic development.

Conclusion

Each of these land purchases—whether the Louisiana Purchase, the Alaska Purchase, or the Gadsden Purchase—has left an indelible mark on the history and development of the United States. These acquisitions expanded the territory of the United States dramatically, adding vast new regions and resources to its holdings. However, they also came with significant costs, including the displacement of Native American communities and the acquisition of land from other nations.

While the immediate reactions to these purchases varied, the long-term impacts of these events have been positive for the United States. Today, these regions are integral parts of the nation, contributing to its economy, culture, and geopolitical standing in the world.