Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Definition

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, ending the Mexican-American War and resulting in the United States acquiring significant territories including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. This treaty had long-lasting effects on both nations and significantly altered the landscape of Native American relations and land rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The treaty resulted in the U.S. gaining approximately 525,000 square miles of territory from Mexico, which represented about one-third of Mexico's land.
2. The signing of the treaty marked a significant turning point in U.S. history, as it fulfilled the notion of Manifest Destiny, expanding American territory across the continent.
3. As part of the treaty, the U.S. agreed to pay Mexico $15 million and assume certain claims of American citizens against Mexico.
4. The treaty included provisions to protect the rights of Mexican landowners in the newly acquired territories, although many faced challenges asserting their claims.
5. The effects of the treaty extended beyond immediate territorial gains, as it intensified conflicts over land rights among Native American tribes and settlers in the West.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impact relations between Native Americans and U.S. settlers?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo intensified tensions between Native Americans and U.S. settlers as new territories were opened up for settlement. As American settlers moved into these lands, they often disregarded existing treaties with Native tribes, leading to increased conflicts over land rights and resources. This set a precedent for further displacement and marginalization of indigenous peoples in the newly acquired regions.
• In what ways did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny for the United States?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo effectively realized the concept of Manifest Destiny by allowing the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast. By acquiring vast lands in the West, it reinforced the belief that it was America’s destiny to spread democracy and civilization across North America. This expansion not only reshaped U.S. geography but also had profound implications for Native American sovereignty and rights.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Mexican-Americans and their land rights within the new U.S. territories.
  • The long-term consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for Mexican-Americans were complex and often detrimental. While the treaty promised to protect their property rights, many faced legal challenges and discrimination that undermined their ownership claims. As Anglo settlers poured into these territories, they frequently ignored or challenged existing land grants, leading to dispossession and loss of land for many Mexican-Americans. This created a legacy of inequality that continues to affect these communities today.

Related terms

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes, leading to significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Land Grants: Legal grants of land given by the government, often to individuals or groups, which became complicated post-treaty due to shifting control and ownership.

Native American Sovereignty: The concept that indigenous tribes have the right to govern themselves and manage their own affairs, which was impacted by the land transfers following the treaty.