Mexican Cession

Definition

The Mexican Cession refers to the region of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico that Mexico ceded to the United States in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. This significant land transfer altered the geography of North America and fueled further westward expansion and settlement by American settlers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican Cession was a direct result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed on February 2, 1848, marking the end of the Mexican-American War.
2. In exchange for $15 million, the U.S. acquired approximately 525,000 square miles of territory from Mexico through the Mexican Cession.
3. The Mexican Cession not only increased U.S. territory but also intensified debates over slavery, as new states were formed from this land.
4. California became a state in 1850 as a result of the influx of settlers following the Gold Rush, which was made possible by the Mexican Cession.
5. The Mexican Cession played a crucial role in shaping U.S.-Mexico relations for years to come, as it laid the groundwork for future conflicts over border disputes and immigration.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican Cession impact American expansion during the mid-19th century?
  • The Mexican Cession significantly fueled American expansion by providing vast new territories for settlement and development. This land acquisition aligned with the belief in Manifest Destiny, driving more settlers westward in search of new opportunities. As areas like California and New Mexico became accessible, they attracted many Americans looking for land and resources, thus shaping the demographic and economic landscape of the United States.
• Discuss how the events leading to and following the Mexican Cession influenced tensions over slavery in the United States.
  • The acquisition of land through the Mexican Cession reignited debates over slavery as new states entered the Union. The question of whether these territories would permit slavery became a divisive issue, leading to heated political conflicts such as the Compromise of 1850 and later contributing to the rise of sectional tensions. The introduction of the Wilmot Proviso, which sought to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, exemplified these growing divides between free and slave states.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Mexican Cession on U.S.-Mexico relations and how it set precedents for future interactions.
  • The Mexican Cession had profound long-term effects on U.S.-Mexico relations by creating lasting animosities that stemmed from territorial loss and national identity struggles in Mexico. It set precedents for how territorial disputes could lead to military conflict and shaped perceptions on both sides regarding border security and sovereignty. Moreover, issues arising from migration patterns and cultural integration continue to influence bilateral relations today, reflecting an ongoing legacy rooted in this pivotal event.

Related terms

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, which established the boundaries between the U.S. and Mexico and formalized the Mexican Cession.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, often used to justify westward expansion.

California Gold Rush: A mass migration of people to California starting in 1849 after gold was discovered, which was facilitated by the acquisition of land through the Mexican Cession.