What historic treaty resulted in the cession of California to the United States?

Prepare for the California History Semester Exam. Enhance your study with quizzes and detailed study guides. Understand each topic with comprehensive explanations to ace your exam!

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is the historic agreement that resulted in the cession of California to the United States. Signed in 1848, this treaty concluded the Mexican-American War and established the border between the two nations. As a result of the treaty, Mexico ceded a vast territory to the United States, which included not only California but also present-day Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

This treaty had significant implications for the expansion of the United States, contributing to the concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America. It also led to the influx of American settlers into California, particularly during the Gold Rush of 1849, transforming the region’s demographics and economy.

The other treaties listed do not pertain to California's cession. The Treaty of Paris is linked to the end of the American Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Versailles is associated with World War I, and the Treaty of Tordesillas involved the division of unexplored territories between Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century. Each of these treaties addressed different historical contexts and territorial arrangements that do not directly relate to California's acquisition by the United States.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy