GUADALUPE HIDALGO Meaning and
Definition
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Guadalupe Hidalgo refers to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, an agreement signed on February 2, 1848, between the United States of America and Mexico, marking the end of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). This treaty effectively ended the territorial conflict between the two nations and resulted in significant territorial adjustments.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo specified a series of provisions that had a lasting impact on the geopolitical landscape of North America. Under this treaty, Mexico recognized the annexation of the Republic of Texas by the United States and accepted the Rio Grande as the boundary between Mexico and Texas. Additionally, Mexico ceded a vast territory to the United States, comprising present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and parts of Oklahoma and Texas. The United States paid a sum of $15 million to Mexico as compensation for the ceded territories and the debts owed by the Mexican government to American citizens.
The signing of the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty significantly expanded the territory of the United States, providing valuable land and resources, including access to the Pacific Ocean. It marked a decisive turning point in the history of both nations, establishing the United States as a continental power and leading to the creation of modern-day borders between Mexico and the USA. The treaty also had implications for the displaced Mexican population in the ceded territories, their land claims, and their rights within the United States, shaping the complex narrative of Mexican-American relations.
Etymology of GUADALUPE HIDALGO
The word "Guadalupe Hidalgo" has two parts, each with its own etymology:
1. Guadalupe: The word "Guadalupe" is derived from the Arabic phrase "wadi al lubb", which means "river in the valley". It is originally associated with the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe), a famous Catholic icon and the patron saint of Mexico. The name "Guadalupe" eventually became associated with several places in Mexico, including the town of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
2. Hidalgo: The word "Hidalgo" comes from the Spanish language and has its roots in medieval Spain. In medieval times, the term referred to a member of the Spanish minor nobility. Hidalgos were typically lower-ranking nobles or knights, known for their honorable status.
