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The loss of Texas will inevitably result in the loss of New Mexico and the Californias. Little by little our territory will be absorbed until only an insignificant part is left to us. Our national existence... will end like those weak meteors that, from time to time, shine fitfully (brightly) in the firmament (sky) and disappear. Describe what events led Mendivil to say this and evaluate if his predictions are, or would become accurate?

User McAbra
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Final answer:

Mendivil's predictions followed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which cost Mexico over half of its territory and led to systemic marginalization for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the ceded lands. While the feared complete territorial absorption didn't occur, the social and legal repercussions did resonate as predicted.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement attributed to Mendivil reflects the consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which concluded the Mexican-American War in 1848. The treaty confirmed the annexation of Texas and ceded vast territories including what would become California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and parts of several other states. This loss represented over half of Mexico's territory at the time. The vast land cession spurred by Manifest Destiny, along with the subsequent Gadsden Purchase, reshaped the map of North America and triggered profound legal and social challenges for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans residing in these annexed lands.

Racial tensions and discrimination followed the cession, with many tejanos and californios losing their land as the United States government declared Mexican and Spanish land deeds imperfect, setting a pattern of displacement and violence.

The unfortunate outcomes that Mendivil predicted did materialize to a substantial degree, as Mexicans and Mexican-Americans faced systemic dispossession and marginalization. However, the total absorption of Mexican territory did not continue indefinitely; Mexico retained its national existence contrary to the extreme outcomes Mendivil envisioned.

User Kevin Schellenberg
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