Question

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Answer 1

The United States and Mexico signed the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty on 2 February 1848. Mexico decided in the Treaty to forfeit all rights to Texas, and to recognize the Rio Grande as that state's frontier. Mexico has also agreed to sell its New Mexico and Upper California territories to the U.S. for $15 million. The deal basically halved Mexico 's size and expanded US territory

This sharing of territories had long-term consequences on both countries. The war and peace expanded the United States to the Pacific Ocean, providing for a growing nation with a wealth of ports, minerals, and natural resources. The abundance of lands also gave rise to debates about expanding slavery to the West, a dispute that would help spark a civil war that defines a nation. In Mexico a national tragedy was the destruction of wars and territories. Mexico has plunged into a long period of instability, civil war, and international involvement as political and military leaders questioned one another on the best way to recover their troubled country.

Yet the war has also motivated new leaders eager to prevent more embarrassment for their country. The young generation eventually unified Mexico, pushed foreign settlers out and laid the foundations of a modern state. However, maybe the war's most lasting influence is on US-Mexican relations. While the war is remembered with enthusiasm south of the border, it is still forgotten northwards. And, while the two countries have formed strong relations and friendly links since 1848, these neighbors are still grappling with the mistrust and misunderstandings generated by the war, its consequences and the different approaches to remembering the conflict.