Which land acquisition was made in 1854 as part of the broader expansion efforts in the US?

The Gadsden Purchase, made in 1854, was a significant land acquisition that involved the United States purchasing a region of present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico from Mexico. This acquisition was part of the broader expansion efforts under the banner of Manifest Destiny, which sought to extend the territory of the United States across the North American continent.

The Gadsden Purchase was particularly important for the development of a southern transcontinental railroad, as the terrain in this acquired region was relatively flat and viable for railroad construction. The purchase underscored the ongoing ambition of the United States to expand its territory and enhance its economic and strategic capabilities, particularly in relation to transportation and trade.

In contrast, the Louisiana Purchase occurred in 1803 and involved a much larger area acquired from France, while the Oregon Annexation and Texas Annexation were completed earlier in 1846 and 1845, respectively. Each of these prior expansions played significant roles in shaping the nation's geographic and political landscape, but the specific land acquisition that took place in 1854 is indeed the Gadsden Purchase.