A New Border
Grade 4 California history lesson on the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and how it created the current U.S.-Mexico border in 1848, from Pengi Social Studies Chapter 4. Students learn how the treaty ending the Mexican-American War transferred California and other territories to the United States.
Key Concepts
In 1848, the United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to end the war. In this agreement, Mexico was forced to give up half its territory to the U.S., including present day California, Nevada, and Utah.
This treaty officially drew a new border between the two countries. Overnight, California changed from a Mexican territory to a U.S. possession. The treaty promised that Mexican citizens living there would become U.S. citizens and keep their property rights.
Common Questions
What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848 to end the Mexican-American War. Mexico ceded (gave up) half its territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of other states.
How did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo create a new border?
Before the treaty, the border between Mexico and the U.S. was at the Rio Grande and further east. The treaty moved the border south, making the southwestern United States part of American territory.
What rights were Mexicans in California promised under the treaty?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexican citizens living in the ceded territory the right to keep their land and cultural identity and to become U.S. citizens. In practice, many of these promises were not honored.
Why was the Mexican-American War fought?
The war began in 1846 amid disputes over the Texas border and American desire to expand to the Pacific under the belief in Manifest Destiny. The U.S. military quickly defeated Mexico and gained a vast new territory.