What was a consequence of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, had significant implications for the territorial expansion of the United States following the Mexican-American War. One of the most important consequences of this treaty was that California and New Mexico were recognized as U.S. territories. This acquisition represented a substantial enlargement of U.S. territory and was a critical moment in the history of American expansionism, often characterized by the phrase "Manifest Destiny," which reflected the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent.

The treaty also led to the U.S. acquiring parts of what are present-day Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, further illustrating its major role in shaping the geographical and political landscape of the United States. The acknowledgment of California and New Mexico as U.S. territories marked a pivotal change, setting the stage for future developments related to statehood and issues surrounding slavery in these new territories.