Assertion: track's gauge | /r/HasProperty | crucial
Facets:
value: in determining the allegiance
type: PURPOSE
Source sentences:
text: When a new independent line was proposed to open up an unconnected area, the gauge was crucial in determining the allegiance that the line would adopt: if it was broad gauge, it must be friendly to the Great Western railway; if narrow (standard) gauge, it must favour the other companies.