Mexico had sold the large territory south of the Gila River and west of the Rio Grande, known to history as the Gadsden Purchase, for ten million dollars, but a very different treaty is finally ratified by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Franklin Pierce on June 24, 1854.

Although the agreement specified ten million dollars, the US Congress only agrees on seven million dollars ($163 million in 2006 dollars).

When the money finally arrives in Mexico City one million dollars ($23 million in 2006 dollars) has gone missing, thus resulting in a total of only six million dollars ($140 million in 2006 dollars).

The treaty includes a provision allowing the U.S. to build a transoceanic canal across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, though this option will never be exercised.

With a few exceptions, such as the resolution of the Chamizal dispute, acquisition of land in this purchase defines the present boundaries of the continental United States.

Even the small strip of land that is ultimately acquired is enough to anger the Mexican people, who see Santa Anna's actions as yet another betrayal of their country and watch in dismay as he squanders the funds generated by the Purchase.

The Gadsden Purchase helps to end Santa Anna's political career.