The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was not ratified by the United States Senate on February 29, 1848, since 1848 was not a leap year and February 29 did not exist in that year. However, the treaty was indeed ratified by the U.S. Senate on March 10, 1848. Below is an account of the event surrounding the treaty’s ratification and its significance:

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Ratification by the United States Senate

On March 10, 1848, the United States Senate ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, bringing formal closure to the Mexican-American War, which had begun in 1846. The treaty marked a significant moment in North American history, resulting in major territorial changes and shaping the future of both nations involved.

Background

• Conflict Initiation: The Mexican-American War broke out in April 1846, primarily over disputes about the boundaries of Texas, which had been annexed by the United States in 1845. The Republic of Texas had previously declared independence from Mexico in 1836, but the Mexican government did not recognize its secession.

• Negotiation Process: As conflicts continued, both the U.S. and Mexico recognized the costly nature of the war. Negotiations for peace began, spearheaded by the U.S. negotiator Nicholas Trist, who ultimately agreed on terms in late 1847 despite his recall. These terms were formalized in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

• Territorial Gains: The treaty resulted in the U.S. acquiring over 500,000 square miles of territory, expanding its landmass by approximately one-third. This included modern-day California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

• Financial Terms: The United States agreed to pay Mexico \(15 million for the acquired territories and assumed responsibility for \)3.25 million in debts owed by Mexico to U.S. citizens.

• Border Establishments: The treaty established the Rio Grande as the official border between Texas and Mexico.

Aftermath and Significance

• U.S. Expansion: This expansion was seen as a fulfillment of the Manifest Destiny ideology, which held that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.

• Impact on Mexico: Mexico experienced a profound loss, both in territory and national pride, which significantly impacted its economy and influenced future political dynamics within the country.

• Long-term Consequences: The enormous territorial gains set the stage for future American development and conflicts, including debates over the expansion of slavery, which would contribute to the sectional tensions leading to the American Civil War.

The ratification of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo essentially redefined the geopolitical landscape of North America, with lasting implications for both the United States and Mexico.