According to historical records, the issue of a railroad to the Pacific precipitated a major sectional split in 1853 when the <u>Gadsden</u> Purchase of territory from <u>Mexico</u> seemed to favor the technically easier southern route.
Motivated by a desire to benefit both his region and himself, Illinois Senator Stephen A. <u>Douglas</u> countered in <u>1854</u> 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 "<u>Popular or Squatter </u>sovereignty."
The northern territory, to be called <u>Free state,</u> would presumably vote for "free-soil," while the southern part, to be called <u>Slave state</u>, 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: brainly.com/question/7643903