TREATY of GUADALUPE HIDALGO
Signed on February 2, 1848, had several important stipulations for the Mexican people living in the territories ceded to the United States. Here are some key points:
1. Citizenship and Property Rights: The treaty guaranteed that Mexican citizens living in the newly acquired territories would be granted U.S. citizenship. They were also assured the protection of their property rights. This meant that their land grants and other properties would be respected and protected under U.S. law.
2. Religious Freedom: The treaty ensured that the Mexican people in these territories would have the right to practice their religion freely. This was an important provision, as it allowed them to continue their Catholic faith without interference.
3. Legal Rights: The treaty stipulated that the Mexican people would have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens. This included the right to access the courts and seek legal redress for any grievances.
4. Language and Culture: While not explicitly stated in the treaty, the Mexican people were allowed to continue using their language and maintain their cultural practices. This was important for preserving their identity and heritage in the face of significant changes.
These provisions were intended to protect the rights and well-being of the Mexican people as they transitioned from Mexican to U.S. governance. However, many of these contractual promises were not honored, leading to significant challenges, hardships, and civil liberty denials for the Mexican communities in the ceded territories.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.