The land that was once part of Mexico and later became part of the USA is commonly referred to as the Mexican Cession. It was acquired by the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848.
In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the war and ceding a vast territory to the United States. This territory included present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
The acquisition of the Mexican Cession significantly expanded the territory of the United States and marked a significant turning point in the country's expansion westward. The influx of immigrants to the newly acquired territories further shaped the demographics and culture of the region.
The Mexican Cession had a lasting impact on the relationship between the United States and Mexico, and the consequences of this territorial transfer continue to influence politics and society in both countries to this day.