Answer:
The war between the United States and Mexico, known as the Mexican-American War, took place from 1846 to 1848. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, had several significant effects:
Territorial Changes: The United States acquired a significant amount of territory from Mexico. The territories of California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma were ceded to the United States.
Mexican Cession: The vast territorial gains by the U.S. from Mexico are collectively referred to as the Mexican Cession. This acquisition had long-term consequences for the balance of power between slave and free states, as it intensified debates over the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired territories.
Rio Grande Border: The Rio Grande was established as the southern border of Texas, further solidifying the annexation of Texas into the United States.
Compensation to Mexico: In return for the acquired territories, the United States paid Mexico $15 million under the terms of the treaty.
Impact on U.S. Politics: The war and its aftermath intensified sectional tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery, contributing to the lead-up to the American Civil War.
Growth of Manifest Destiny: The war was influenced by the idea of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the continent. The acquisition of vast territories further fueled this notion.
In summary, the Mexican-American War had a profound impact on the territorial expansion of the United States, shaping its geography and contributing to the complex issues surrounding slavery and sectionalism in the pre-Civil War era.
Step-by-step explanation: