What did the United States gain as a result of the Mexican American War?
Final answer:
As a result of the Mexican-American War, the United States expanded its territory significantly through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which included the Mexican Cession of lands that would become several current U.S. states.
Explanation:
According to the treaty, which was subsequently ratified by both national congresses, Mexico ceded to the United States nearly all the territory now included in the states of New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Texas, and western Colorado for $15 million and U.S. assumption of its citizens' claims against ...
The United States Territorial Expansion
Following the end of the Mexican-American War, the United States gained significant territory through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848. This treaty marked a crucial moment in U.S. history as it led to the acquisition of vast amounts of land from Mexico.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the document that formalized the end of hostilities between the United States and Mexico. Through this treaty, Mexico ceded a considerable amount of territory to the United States in exchange for a payment of $15 million and the assumption of American citizens' claims against Mexico.
Mexican Cession
The Mexican Cession refers to the lands that Mexico relinquished to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. These lands would eventually become the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This expansion of territory played a significant role in shaping the geography and boundaries of the United States.
Impact of the Territorial Expansion
The acquisition of these new territories through the Mexican Cession greatly expanded the size of the United States and contributed to the realization of the concept of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America, and the territorial gains from the Mexican-American War played a crucial role in fulfilling this vision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States gained significant territory as a result of the Mexican-American War, solidifying its presence and influence in North America. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Mexican Cession were pivotal in expanding U.S. territorial holdings and shaping the country's future trajectory.