Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Definition

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an 1848 agreement that ended the Mexican–American War and resulted in the U.S. acquiring a vast amount of territory. This treaty significantly altered the geographical and political landscape of North America, transferring present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming from Mexico to the United States. It also established the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The treaty was signed on February 2, 1848, marking the end of hostilities between the U.S. and Mexico.
2. Under the treaty, Mexico ceded about 525,000 square miles of territory to the U.S., significantly increasing its size.
3. The U.S. agreed to pay $15 million to Mexico and assumed certain claims of American citizens against Mexico as part of the agreement.
4. The treaty also included provisions protecting the property rights and civil liberties of Mexicans living in the newly acquired territories.
5. Ratification of the treaty faced significant opposition in Congress, reflecting deep divisions over slavery and territorial expansion.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impact U.S.-Mexico relations in subsequent years?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo created a lasting tension between the United States and Mexico due to territorial losses and feelings of betrayal among Mexicans. The U.S. acquisition of land led to resentment in Mexico and laid a foundation for future diplomatic conflicts. This relationship would continue to be strained for years as issues like immigration, border security, and cultural identity emerged in subsequent decades.
• In what ways did the Treaty contribute to the debate over slavery in the newly acquired territories?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo intensified the national debate over slavery as it raised questions about whether new states carved from Mexican territory would be free or slave states. This debate led to significant political conflict, including events such as the Wilmot Proviso and ultimately contributed to tensions that would lead to the Civil War. The fear that slavery could expand into these territories further polarized an already divided nation.
• Evaluate how the principles of Manifest Destiny were realized through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its aftermath.
  • The principles of Manifest Destiny were realized through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo by fulfilling a vision of continental expansion from coast to coast. The acquisition of vast territories not only demonstrated a successful military campaign but also reflected an ideological belief that Americans were destined to spread democracy and civilization across North America. The aftermath saw a surge in migration westward, spurred by opportunities for land and resources, further embodying this belief while also leading to conflicts with Native Americans and other groups in these new territories.

Related terms

Mexican–American War:

A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

California Gold Rush:

A mass migration to California in the late 1840s triggered by the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, significantly influenced by the outcomes of the Treaty.