The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted in significant territorial changes and political implications for both the United States and Mexico. The primary outcomes included:
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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: This treaty, signed on February 2, 1848, ended the war and resulted in Mexico ceding a large portion of its northern territories to the United States. These territories included present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
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Increased U.S. Territory: The land acquired amounted to about 525,000 square miles, which significantly expanded the United States and hastened its growth towards the west.
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Financial Compensation: The United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million for the ceded territories and to assume certain claims of American citizens against Mexico, totaling around $3.25 million.
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Impact on U.S.-Mexican Relations: The war and its aftermath left deep-seated tensions and resentment between the two nations, which have influenced U.S.-Mexican relations to this day.
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Influence on Domestic Politics: The acquisition of new territories exacerbated the debate over slavery in the United States, contributing to tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. The question of whether new states carved from the territories would allow slavery was a contentious issue.
Overall, the Mexican-American War was a pivotal event that reshaped the geography and politics of North America.