What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is significant as it marked the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. This treaty resulted in Mexico ceding a substantial portion of its territory to the United States, which included what would become the states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.

This event was pivotal in shaping the future of the American Southwest and fulfilling the concept of Manifest Destiny, where expansion across the continent was seen as inevitable. The treaty not only resolved territorial disputes but also had lasting implications on the cultural and political landscape of the region, influencing the lives of many individuals already living in those territories.

In contrast to the other options, which refer to unrelated historical events or diplomatic agreements, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo specifically aligns with the context of U.S.-Mexico relations and territorial expansion during the 19th century. Thus, the focus on its role in the Mexican-American War and the resulting land acquisition emphasizes its importance in New Mexico's history and the broader narrative of U.S. expansionism.