The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. It resulted in Mexico ceding a large portion of its northern territory—present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of other states—to the United States. In exchange, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and assumed certain debts. The treaty also guaranteed rights for Mexicans living in the newly acquired lands, although these rights were often overlooked later. It significantly expanded U.S. territory and shaped North American borders, marking a major shift in the region’s political landscape.