Decisive Treaty- Unveiling the Peace Agreement that Concluded the Mexican-American War

What treaty ended the Mexican-American War?

The Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848, was a significant conflict between the United States and Mexico. This war had profound implications for both nations, leading to the acquisition of vast territories for the United States. The treaty that ultimately ended this conflict was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, and it marked the official end of the Mexican-American War. The treaty was negotiated between representatives of the United States and Mexico, with the United States being represented by James Gadsden and John Slidell, and Mexico by Juan de la Peña and Mariano Paredes. The signing of this treaty took place in the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which is now part of modern-day Mexico City.

Under the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico ceded a significant amount of territory to the United States. This included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Texas. In return, the United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million, in addition to assuming the claims of American citizens against Mexico, which were estimated to be around $3.25 million.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had far-reaching consequences for both nations. For the United States, it marked the beginning of its expansionist policies and the acquisition of new territories. This expansionist agenda would continue in the following decades, leading to further conflicts and territorial disputes. For Mexico, the treaty was a devastating blow, as it lost a significant portion of its territory and faced internal political turmoil.

The end of the Mexican-American War also had a profound impact on the Native American populations in the newly acquired territories. Many Native American tribes were forced to cede their lands and relocate to reservations, leading to further conflicts and suffering.

In conclusion, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War. It had significant implications for both the United States and Mexico, shaping the future of both nations and the territories they controlled. The treaty remains a contentious issue in both countries, as it symbolizes the expansionist policies of the United States and the loss of territory for Mexico.