Question

why was the united states willing to pay more per mile for the gadsden purchase than for the mexican cession?
the land may have been small, but it completed the state of arizona.
the united states wanted to prevent clashes along the southern border.
the gadsden purchase gave the united states land to build a railroad.
the united states paid more money to make amends with mexico.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Completing Arizona's statehood was not the primary reason for the higher cost per mile.
• Option 2: Preventing clashes along the southern border was not the main driver for the higher price per mile.
• Option 3: The Gadsden Purchase provided land for a southern transcontinental railroad, which was a crucial economic and strategic need. This made the land highly valuable, justifying a higher price per mile.
• Option 4: Making amends with Mexico was not the reason for the higher cost per mile.

Answer:

C. The Gadsden Purchase gave the United States land to build a railroad.