Which U.S. territory was acquired through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States. Under this treaty, the U.S. acquired a vast region that included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

California is specifically highlighted because it was one of the most significant and immediate areas affected by the treaty, leading to the Gold Rush and massive migration to the area. While New Mexico and Arizona were also acquired through the treaty, California stands out as the territory that became particularly well-known and pivotal to national growth.

The treaty fundamentally altered the boundaries of the United States, solidifying the West Coast's inclusion within its borders and setting the stage for westward expansion. This acquisition, especially of California, also contributed to the economic and cultural development of the United States in the following decades.