What was the main outcome of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853?

The main outcome of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 was indeed to clarify boundaries for the transcontinental railroad. This transaction involved the United States purchasing a strip of land from Mexico, which is present-day southern New Mexico and Arizona. The acquisition was primarily motivated by the desire to create a southern route for the transcontinental railroad. Advocates believed that this route would facilitate trade and travel, supporting the expansion of the U.S. into the West.

The negotiation for this purchase considered the practical needs of railroad construction, aiming to avoid the challenging mountainous terrains found in other regions. The Gadsden Purchase thus played a critical role in fulfilling the ambitions of manifest destiny, further integrating the southwestern territories into the United States and enhancing its transportation infrastructure.