I think that as an Arizonan today, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impacts my life, but also others as well. This was the treaty signed in 1848 to end the Mexican-American War.
It's most significant provision to the U.S. was that Mexico ceded most of what is now the Southwestern United States in exchange for $15 million. The Mexican government surrendered to the United States and entered into negotiations to end the war.
Under the terms of the treaty, México ceded to the United States Upper California and New Mexico. This was known as the Mexican Cession and included present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and part of Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Mexico relinquished all claims to Texas and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern boundary with the United States.
When the treaty was signed, it was also written in a way so that it would protect the rights of Mexicans who decided to remain living in the territories of what is now the United States. The laws that have been occurring here in Arizona, such as SB 1070, not only makes us wonder what would of happened if the U.S. would of never bought the states from Mexico, but also makes us realize that step by step politicians and people in power want to get rid of Mexicans like they did back then.
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We are also making us feel discriminated against by trying to get rid of "La Raza" classes, more accurately known as Ethnic Studies. I believe that there is no problem with wanting to practice or learn about our culture. This is where we come from: our roots.
I always wonder why the United States and Mexico can never get along given our common border and history. The U.S. already acquired the states that it wanted to fulfill its dream, so why is it that this country wants to get rid of Mexicans again?
I guess we just have to wait and see what the hate between these two countries brings for us as people. As day by day goes by, the Treaty will always reflect our past, present and future generations.
Dennisse Ramirez es alumno en Tucson High Magnet School, de la profesora María Federico Brummer en su clase de American Government Social Justice Education Project. Los estudiantes del curso escribieron ensayos en inglés sobre el Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo que está en exhibición este mes en el museo del estado en University of Arizona, 1013 E. University Blvd.