Question

The issue of a railroad to the Pacific precipitated a major sectional split in 1853 when the ___________ Purchase of territory from __________ seemed to favor the technically easier southern route. Motivated by a desire to benefit both his region and himself, Illinois Senator Stephen A. _____________ countered in 1854 with a northern route proposal that would require the area west of the Missouri River to be formally organized into a territory. His proposal was to split this territory into two parts, with the status of slavery to be decided on the principle of "_____________ sovereignty." The northern territory, to be called _____________, would presumably vote for "free-soil," while the southern territory, to be called _____________, was expected to favor slavery.

Answer 1

According to historical records, the issue of a railroad to the Pacific precipitated a major sectional split in 1853 when the Gadsden Purchase of territory from Mexico seemed to favor the technically easier southern route.

Motivated by a desire to benefit both his region and himself, Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas countered in 1854 with a northern route proposal that would require the area west of the Missouri River to be formally organized into a territory.

He proposed to split this territory into two parts, with the status of slavery decided on the principle of "Popular or Squatter sovereignty."

The northern territory, to be called Free state, would presumably vote for "free-soil," while the southern part, to be called Slave state, was expected to favor slavery.

Hence, in this case, it is concluded that the Gadsden purchase led to a failed attempt at a southern railroad and eventually one of the major causes of civil war.

Learn more about the Gadsden Purchase here: https://brainly.com/question/7643903