Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Definition

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an agreement signed in 1848 that ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in significant territorial changes for Mexico and the United States. This treaty not only established the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico but also ceded a vast amount of land to the U.S., including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. The treaty has lasting implications for tribal sovereignty and the rights of Native American tribes in these newly acquired territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, marking the official end of the Mexican-American War.
2. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded approximately 525,000 square miles of territory to the United States for $15 million.
3. The treaty recognized the rights of Mexican citizens living in the ceded territories, but many faced discrimination and loss of land after the treaty was ratified.
4. The treaty established a framework for addressing Native American land rights, though many tribes found themselves navigating new U.S. laws that often undermined their sovereignty.
5. The signing of this treaty had lasting implications for Native American identity, cultural practices, and political power within the new boundaries established by the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impact the relationships between Native American tribes and the U.S. government?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo significantly altered relationships between Native American tribes and the U.S. government by redefining territorial boundaries and introducing new legal frameworks. As vast amounts of land were ceded to the U.S., many tribes found their ancestral lands under new jurisdiction. The promise made to protect Mexican citizens' rights did not translate effectively for Native Americans, leading to conflicts over land ownership and sovereignty.
• Analyze how the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo related to tribal sovereignty were implemented or ignored in subsequent years.
  • While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo included provisions intended to safeguard the rights of former Mexican citizens and Indigenous peoples, its implementation was often inconsistent. Many tribes found that their claims to land and autonomy were frequently overlooked as American settlers moved into these territories. This neglect led to a series of legal battles and conflicts that diminished tribal sovereignty over time, with many tribes losing their traditional lands without adequate compensation or recognition.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Native American identity and cultural practices in newly acquired territories.
  • The long-term consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Native American identity and cultural practices are profound and multifaceted. Following the treaty, many tribes experienced cultural dislocation as they were forced to navigate a rapidly changing landscape marked by U.S. expansionism. This resulted in a struggle to maintain traditional practices while also adapting to new realities imposed by settlers and governmental policies. The legacy of this treaty continues to influence contemporary discussions around tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and identity among Native American communities.

Related terms

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the annexation of Texas.

Land Grants: Legal agreements that allowed individuals or groups, often including Native Americans, to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, which became complicated post-treaty.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, impacting their rights following the treaty.