Consequences of War: The Mexican Cession
In Grade 8 US history, students learn about the Mexican Cession—the massive transfer of Mexican territory to the United States following the Mexican-American War. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave the US all of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and more in exchange for $15 million. This acquisition dramatically changed North America and reignited the slavery debate. This topic is covered in History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 5.
Key Concepts
The war with Mexico officially ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This agreement dramatically redrew the map of North America and had enormous consequences for both nations.
Under the treaty, Mexico gave up a vast region of land. This territory, known as the Mexican Cession , included all of present day California, Nevada, and Utah. In return, the United States paid Mexico $15 million. The deal cost Mexico nearly half of its territory, completing America's vision of Manifest Destiny.
Common Questions
What was the Mexican Cession?
The Mexican Cession was the territory Mexico gave to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. It included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of other states—about half of Mexico's land.
What did the US pay for the Mexican Cession?
Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the US paid Mexico $15 million for the vast territory it acquired, which included much of the present-day American Southwest.
How did the Mexican Cession affect the slavery debate?
Adding new territories raised the urgent question of whether slavery would be allowed in them. This intensified the sectional conflict between North and South and ultimately contributed to the Civil War.
Which textbook covers the Mexican Cession in Grade 8?
History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 5: An Expanding Nation, covers the Mexican Cession and its consequences for the United States.
What states were created from the Mexican Cession?
The Mexican Cession eventually became the states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and other western states.