U.S. Senate Ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

March 10th, 1848

March 10th, 1848

U.S. Senate Ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
How Long Ago?

177 years, 5 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

Mexican–American War

People
  • John C. Calhoun
  • Nicholas Trist
Links & References
Tags

U.S. Senate Ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was ratified by the United States Senate, officially bringing an end to the Mexican–American War. This treaty, signed in February, ceded large territories from Mexico to the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The ratification process was marked by political debates relating to the expansion of slavery and the future of the newly acquired lands.

Treaty ceded vast territories to the U.S.

Political debates centered on slavery expansion.

Ratified with a vote of 38 to 14 in Senate.

Marked the end of the Mexican–American War.

What Happened?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo concluded the hostilities of the Mexican–American War, which had erupted in 1846 over territorial disputes following the annexation of Texas by the United States. Negotiated by U.S. envoy Nicholas Trist, the treaty was signed in February 1848 in the Mexican capital. The agreement represented a massive territorial gain for the United States, transferring approximately 525,000 square miles of land. This acquisition would not only alter the map of North America but also exacerbate the contentious issues surrounding slavery in the new territories.

The treaty faced significant opposition in the U.S. Senate, primarily from those concerned about the extension of slavery into the new territories. Notable figures such as Sen. John C. Calhoun opposed the ratification, fearing it would tip the balance of power in favor of free states. Ultimately, the Senate voted to ratify the treaty on March 10, 1848, with a final tally of 38 in favor and 14 opposed, ensuring its acceptance and paving the way for American westward expansion.

The ratification of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and territorial ambitions, leading to facilitated migration and settlement in the West. The legacy of the treaty is complex, as it left unresolved issues between the U.S. and Mexico and sowed the seeds for future conflicts over civil rights and land disputes in the newly acquired territories.

Why Does it Matter?

The ratification of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo significantly reshaped the United States, effectively expanding its territory by one-third. This event is noteworthy as it laid the groundwork for America’s Manifest Destiny doctrine, the belief that U.S. expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. The impact of this treaty not only altered national borders but also set the stage for intense debates over slavery, ultimately leading to the Civil War.

Discover More Historic Events from March 10th

Politics & Government

Portuguese Legislative Elections Shift Power

March 10th, 2024 1 years ago

In Portugal, elections were held for all 230 seats in the Assembly of the Republic. The ruling Partido Socialista (PS), led by António Costa, lost its absolute majority to the opposition Partido Social Democrata (PSD), which won more seats than anticipated. The PS secured 77 seats compared to the PSD's 79, representing a significant shift in the Portuguese political landscape and prompting discussions about possible coalition government formations.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

Silicon Valley Bank Collapses and FDIC Takes Control

March 10th, 2023 2 years ago

Silicon Valley Bank experienced a significant run on deposits, leading to its collapse, marking the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. Investors lost confidence in the bank, prompting a rapid withdrawal of funds. In response to the crisis, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) stepped in to take control of the bank's operations, managing the transition for clients and safeguarding deposits. The event raised concerns within the banking sector about liquidity and trust.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Katalin Novák Elected as Hungary's First Female President

March 10th, 2022 3 years ago

Katalin Novák, the former minister for Family Affairs, was elected president of Hungary by the National Assembly. In a decisive vote of 137 to 51, she made history as the first female president of the country, marking a significant moment in Hungarian politics. The election was seen as an endorsement of the ruling party and reflected the current political climate in Hungary.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Boeing 737 MAX Crashes in Ethiopia

March 10th, 2019 6 years ago

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 MAX, crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leading to the deaths of all 157 passengers and crew onboard. This incident followed a similar crash of Lion Air Flight 610, raising significant concerns over the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, ultimately resulting in the grounding of all 387 units of this model worldwide.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Park Geun-hye's Presidential Impeachment Upheld

March 10th, 2017 8 years ago

The Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye after a political scandal that shook the nation. Accusations against her included collusion with a confidante to manipulate power, leading to mass protests. The court ruled unanimously, ending Park's presidency that began in 2013. The decision followed months of political turmoil and public outcry, marking a critical moment in South Korean democracy and governance.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Reaches Martian Orbit

March 10th, 2006 19 years ago

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) successfully entered orbit around Mars, providing invaluable data about the planet's atmosphere, surface, and potential for past life. Launched on August 12, 2005, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the MRO's primary goal was to analyze Martian geology and climate in detail. With its sophisticated instruments, the orbiter began a comprehensive study of Martian features, including polar ice caps, volcanoes, and landing sites for future missions. By relaying data back to Earth, it became a crucial part of NASA's ongoing exploration efforts.

Continue Reading