What was the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo's main promise regarding land grants in New Mexico?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, marked the end of the Mexican-American War and significantly impacted land rights in New Mexico. The main promise of the treaty was to honor all land grants that had been established under Spanish or Mexican rule. This was essential as it provided legal recognition to the property rights of individuals who had received land grants from both colonial administrations.

This provision was crucial in maintaining the land ownership claims of the Hispanic population of New Mexico, ensuring that their titles to the land were acknowledged and protected by the newly established United States government. The intention behind this clause was to facilitate a smooth transition of governance and to avoid potential disputes over land ownership in the territory that had just been ceded.

The other choices present alternatives that do not reflect the treaty's provisions or intentions accurately. For instance, the treaty did not involve disallowing future land grants, redistributing land among tribes, or selling U.S. land to compensate for any perceived losses from land grants. Instead, it focused on preserving the status quo regarding existing land rights established prior to the treaty.