The question “Is Mexico part of the USA?” might seem straightforward, but it touches upon a complex history of shifting borders, cultural connections, and geopolitical relationships between the United States and Mexico. In simple terms, the answer is no, Mexico is not part of the USA. Mexico is an independent and sovereign nation. However, to fully understand why this question arises and to appreciate the distinct identities of both countries, we need to delve into their shared past, particularly the pivotal Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Historical Context: Mexico Before the Treaty
Before we discuss the treaty that significantly shaped the US-Mexico border, it’s crucial to understand Mexico’s own rich history. Long before European colonization, Mexico was home to advanced civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. In the 16th century, Spain colonized the region, establishing “New Spain,” which encompassed a vast territory stretching from present-day Mexico to much of the southwestern United States.
Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1810, culminating in the establishment of the First Mexican Empire in 1821 and later the First Mexican Republic in 1824. This newly independent Mexico inherited a vast and often sparsely populated territory, including what is now California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. This expansive territory, however, would soon be at the center of conflict with its northern neighbor.
The Mexican-American War: Seeds of Conflict
The relationship between the United States and Mexico in the 19th century was fraught with tension, primarily fueled by American expansionist ambitions and differing views on territory. The annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, which Mexico still considered part of its territory, served as the major catalyst for the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).
This war was a direct confrontation over land and sovereignty. The United States, driven by the concept of “Manifest Destiny” – the belief that it was divinely ordained to expand across the North American continent – sought to acquire more territory from Mexico. Mexico, on the other hand, fought to defend its territorial integrity. The war concluded with a decisive American victory, leaving Mexico in a weakened position and facing immense pressure to cede land.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Defining the Border
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, in Guadalupe Hidalgo (now part of Mexico City), was the agreement that officially ended the Mexican-American War. This treaty is the cornerstone of the current US-Mexico border and is directly relevant to understanding why Mexico is definitively not part of the USA.
Article I of the treaty establishes “firm and universal peace” between the two nations, signifying an end to hostilities and the beginning of a new, albeit complex, relationship. This article alone underscores the separate identities of the United States and the Mexican Republic as distinct entities entering into a formal agreement.
ARTICLE I
There shall be firm and universal peace between the United States of America and the Mexican Republic, and between their respective countries, territories, cities, towns, and people, without exception of places or persons.
However, it is Article V of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that most directly addresses the question of territory and borders. This article meticulously defines the new boundary line between the two countries. It details a border starting in the Gulf of Mexico, proceeding along the Rio Grande, westward along the southern border of New Mexico, northward along the western line of New Mexico, then westward to the Pacific Ocean along the Gila River and the division between Upper and Lower California.
ARTICLE V
The boundary line between the two Republics shall commence in the Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land, opposite the mouth of the Rio Grande, otherwise called Rio Bravo del Norte, or Opposite the mouth of its deepest branch, if it should have more than one branch emptying directly into the sea; from thence up the middle of that river, following the deepest channel, where it has more than one, to the point where it strikes the southern boundary of New Mexico; thence, westwardly, along the whole southern boundary of New Mexico (which runs north of the town called Paso) to its western termination; thence, northward, along the western line of New Mexico, until it intersects the first branch of the river Gila; (or if it should not intersect any branch of that river, then to the point on the said line nearest to such branch, and thence in a direct line to the same); thence down the middle of the said branch and of the said river, until it empties into the Rio Colorado; thence across the Rio Colorado, following the division line between Upper and Lower California, to the Pacific Ocean.
This map excerpt from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo illustrates the newly defined boundary between the United States and Mexico, solidifying Mexico’s territorial limits and independence.
Through this treaty, Mexico ceded a vast amount of territory to the United States, known as the Mexican Cession. This territory encompasses present-day California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. In exchange for this land, the United States paid Mexico $15 million.
Article VIII and Article IX of the treaty addressed the rights of Mexican citizens living in the ceded territories. They were given the choice to remain Mexican citizens or become US citizens. Those who chose to remain and not declare their intention to retain Mexican citizenship within a year were automatically considered US citizens. These articles aimed to protect the property and rights of Mexicans residing in the newly acquired US territories.
ARTICLE VIII
Mexicans now established in territories previously belonging to Mexico, and which remain for the future within the limits of the United States, as defined by the present treaty, shall be free to continue where they now reside, or to remove at any time to the Mexican Republic, retaining the property which they possess in the said territories, or disposing thereof, and removing the proceeds wherever they please, without their being subjected, on this account, to any contribution, tax, or charge whatever.
ARTICLE IX
The Mexicans who, in the territories aforesaid, shall not preserve the character of citizens of the Mexican Republic, conformably with what is stipulated in the preceding article, shall be incorporated into the Union of the United States. and be admitted at the proper time (to be judged of by the Congress of the United States) to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States, according to the principles of the Constitution; and in the meantime, shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property, and secured in the free exercise of their religion without restriction.
What the Treaty Means Today: Mexico’s Sovereignty
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is not just a historical document; it is the legal foundation for the current border between the United States and Mexico. It definitively established Mexico as a separate nation from the United States. While Mexico lost a significant portion of its territory, the treaty simultaneously affirmed its continued existence as a sovereign entity within its newly defined borders.
Mexico operates with its own government, laws, currency, and cultural identity, completely independent of the United States. The two countries engage in diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and have a complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and challenges. However, at no point is Mexico considered a part of the United States politically or geographically.
Misconceptions and Why the Question Arises
Despite the clear historical and political reality, the question “Is Mexico part of the USA?” persists for several reasons:
- Geographical Proximity: The long shared border and close geographical location naturally lead to comparisons and considerations of shared space.
- Historical Connections: The shared history of colonization, conflict, and territorial shifts creates a sense of intertwined destinies. The fact that significant parts of the present-day US were once Mexican territory is a key historical point.
- Cultural Exchange: Extensive cultural exchange, migration, and economic interdependence between the two nations blur some lines and create a sense of interconnectedness.
- Economic Influence: The economic power of the United States and its influence on Mexico’s economy can sometimes lead to perceptions of dependence, though this does not equate to political integration.
The intertwined flags of the United States and Mexico symbolize the close, yet distinct, relationship between the two sovereign nations, highlighting cooperation and mutual respect despite their separate identities.
In conclusion, while the historical ties between Mexico and the United States are undeniable and their relationship is deeply intertwined, Mexico is not, and has never been, part of the USA. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo definitively established the border and recognized Mexico’s sovereignty. Understanding this history is crucial to appreciating the distinct identities and complex relationship between these two North American nations. Mexico stands as a proud, independent country with its own unique trajectory, culture, and future, separate from the United States.
