Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, marked the official end of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Negotiated by Nicholas Trist for the United States, it led to Mexico ceding approximately 55% of its territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. Mexico also relinquished claims to Texas and recognized the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. paid Mexico $15 million for the land and agreed to assume debts owed to U.S. citizens by Mexico. The treaty had significant implications for both countries. It expanded U.S. territory westward, solidifying Manifest Destiny. Mexicans in the ceded territories could choose U.S. citizenship or remain Mexican citizens. The treaty protected property rights but did not ensure their enforcement, leading to land disputes. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on March 10, 1848, after removing Article X, which protected Mexican land grants. The treaty's effects on national identity and U.S.-Mexico relations continue to be felt today. It was proclaimed on July 4, 1848, and its legacy remains a central theme in discussions about border policies and cultural identity.