The Mexican-American War was fought between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. The war was sparked by disputes over territory, with the United States seeking to expand its borders to include what is now California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, in the town of Guadalupe Hidalgo, located in present-day Mexico City. The treaty was signed by representatives of the United States and Mexico, with the goal of ending the war between the two nations and establishing the terms of peace.
The treaty consisted of 17 articles, covering a range of issues related to the war. Some of the key provisions of the treaty included:
– Recognition of the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas
– Cession of California and New Mexico to the United States
– Payment of $15 million by the United States to Mexico for the cession of territory
– Protection of the property rights of Mexicans who chose to remain in the ceded territories
– Granting of citizenship to any Mexicans who wished to become citizens of the United States
The treaty was controversial at the time, with some Americans arguing that the terms were too lenient on Mexico, while others criticized the high cost of the war and the acquisition of new territory. The treaty was also criticized for its treatment of Mexican citizens, who were often subjected to discrimination and violence in the newly acquired territories.
Despite these controversies, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established a lasting peace between the United States and Mexico and played a significant role in shaping the borders of the United States. The treaty remains an important historical document and serves as a reminder of the complexities of American expansionism and the impact of war on both nations involved.
