Introduction
This treaty defined the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848. The treaty came into effect after Mexico had been defeated by the United States and its capital captured. The two nations came together through their representatives to discuss the future of the two nations after the war. The treaty sought to deal with the immediate future of the two nations and the future of the two countries when it comes to the long-term future.
Biographical Information
Nicholas Trist who represented the US as well as Don Bernardo Couto, Don Luis Gonzaga Cuevas, and Don Miguel Atristain as the Mexican representatives developed the document. The document became official after its signing on February 2, 1848. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is a government document that outlines the agreed terms between the USA and Mexico when it comes to the aftermath of the war between the two nations.
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Intended Audience
The document was intended for the Congress and the then US president. Similarly, the document was also targeting the Mexican government despite its defeat in the war. The aim was to outline the outcome of the negotiations between the two nations that saw the end of the war that had been fought for two years. The presidents of the two nations needed to sign the document and ratify it to facilitate a peaceful recovery process after the war was over.
Historical Context
The treaty was signed to mark the end of the Mexican-American war that had begun in 1846. The two nations were fighting over the boundary as the US had previously acquired Texas after it had joined the union after getting independence from Mexico. The treaty was signed at a time when the USA was expanding to the west through treaties with the British and Mexico. The westward expansion of the USA had seen the country come into conflict with Mexico in regards to the southern boundary of Texas. What is evident is that the two countries could agree on the boundary. It is through such treaties that the USA acquired lands in the modern day Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California. These areas were all annexed by the USA from Mexico during the war. The USA and Mexico were determined to end the war after the defeat of Mexico and the subsequent falling of its capital. It was the desire to prevent such an occurrence in future that led to the negotiations between the two countries over the territorial boundaries and the evacuation program that would be followed. The US’s strategy was to acquire more territories without necessarily having to use the war in the process.
Main Points
The treaty primarily addressed the steps that would be taken in removing the US army and the navy from the Mexican territories. This was to take around three months or earlier depending on the segment. The two governments promised to facilitate the smooth process of the US military personnel who were as far as Mexico City. By signing the treaty, the USA was committing to the removal of its military from the Mexican soil. Consequently, promised to ensure there would be no duty or taxation done on those products meant for the military personnel in Mexico until the full implementation of the provisions of the treaty.
The other main point that is made by the treaty is that the USA would return to the Mexican government all the forts, the barracks, weapons, and castles that had been captured by the USA during the wars. This included all the ports that had been captured by the US Navy at the time. The US was also to return all the weapons that had been captured from those overrun by the US forces. The gesture was to ensure that all the parties understood the role played by the conflict and to ensure there is respect for territorial sovereignty that is observed.
The third point that is made by the treaty is that the US was to pay around 15 million dollars as compensation to Mexico. However, the money was to be paid in installments of one year. Mexico would start by receiving $3 million immediately after the ratification of the treaty. The rest would accumulate a 12% interest in the first payments. Consequently, the USA was to make sure that it compensated any other claim that would be made by any party. However, a board was to be created that would discuss the awards given to those claims made after the treaty comes into effect. The board’s awards were to be final. The payments were to be made in Mexico’s currency and in Mexico City.
The fourth main point that is made by the treaty document is about the people living in the annexed regions. The treaty states that they were to have the right to determine where they wanted to stay or vote. They would either become US citizens or select becoming Mexican citizens but retain their property in territories belonging to the USA. The treaty gave these individuals that opportunity. In case they decided to sell the property and move to other regions, then they would not be subjected to any taxation in the process. They were to be given some time to decide their fate after which measures would be taken to regulate the movement. The treaty also outlines some of the rules that would be followed in controlling the movement of goods in and out of each country.
The document was also clear on the actions that would be taken by both the USA and Mexico in case they enter into a disagreement in future. The treaty asserts that each country desires to promote a peaceful coexistence by adhering to the provisions of the treaty. The two nations promised to promote commerce and trade, as well as solve differences before they can escalate to serious issues. In case a war erupted between them, then they would work towards ensuring that they avoid taking the war to crowded areas to reduce the number of casualties from the war. The two nations were committing to reducing the military action between them in future events.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is one of the treaties that brought America some territorial expansion. The country was able to gain more lands in the modern day California, Florida, and Arizona. In particular, the USA was able to solve the Texas problem with Mexico. Moreover, the treaty set the boundaries as they are today. The treaty ensured that the US stopped its invasion of Mexico and opened all its ports while in return got more land. The war had been fought for two years leading to many casualties in the process and creating the need for the governments to have talks on how to improve relations after Mexico had been defeated. The US promised to promote Mexico by giving it $15 million as compensation. The treaty also made it possible for people living in annexed lands to either act as Mexicans or as Americans depending on the choices, they made.
References
Transcript of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
