The treaty introduced a racially-mixed ethnic group to the U.S.; the Californios—a combination of Spanish (and other Europeans) and indigenous bloodlines. They had settled much of the ceded Mexican territory of Alta California and following the war’s end found themselves living in newly conquered homelands. They were legally classified as “white” for naturalization purposes, when only “free white people” could be granted citizenship.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo On February 2, 1848, the United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended a two-year-war that was initially instigated by efforts in Texas to take over land belonging to the citizens of the Mexican Republic. The peace treaty established a new border between Mexico and the U.S., one that began “one marine south of the southernmost point below San Diego.”
As for the Kumeyaay people, the treaty did not recognize them as citizens and they were forced to abandon their ancestral lands.
Mexico ceded more than 500,000 square miles of its territory to the U.S. for $15 million. California was then divided into two areas: Alta California in the north that would become part of the U.S and Baja California in the South that remained a part of Mexico.
“The Californios were not recognized, however, as being racially or juridically equal to white Americans of European Ancestry.”
According to the Smithsonian archives, “the two countries ratified different versions of the same peace treaty, with the United States ultimately eliminating provisions for honoring the land titles of its newly absorbed Mexican citizens.” Under Treaty Articles VIII, IX and X, the Mexican Californios were to be provided protection of their civil and property rights—ensuring they would have the same rights as other U.S. citizens. The Californios were not recognized, however, as being racially or juridically equal to white Americans of European ancestry. Historical accounts have recorded such inequities that eventually led to discrimination, lynching, and violence—in violation of the terms of the originally negotiated treaty.
Map of the ceded territories U.S. President James K. Polk envisioned a United States from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 1 – The Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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