What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, significantly reshaped the territorial framework of North America by formally ending the Mexican-American War. This treaty resulted in Mexico ceding a vast expanse of land to the United States, which included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. This acquisition not only expanded U.S. territory but also filled in the borders of regions that were previously ambiguous or disputed, thereby contributing to the future development of the American West.

The treaty's impact was profound, as it fulfilled the U.S. vision of Manifest Destiny, the belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. By ceding these northern territories, Mexico significantly reduced its land size and marked a major geopolitical shift in North America. In contrast, other choices may address facets of Texas's history or territorial issues but do not encapsulate the primary accomplishments and consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.