What was one of the key outcomes of the Treaty of Guadalupe signed in 1848?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, marked a significant turning point in U.S.-Mexico relations and had several critical outcomes, one of which was the cession of California from Mexico to the United States. This treaty concluded the Mexican-American War and led to the U.S. acquiring approximately half of Mexico's territory, which included not only California but also present-day Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

The cession was instrumental in shaping the future of California and allowed for the U.S. to expand its territory significantly, which set the stage for California's statehood, the Gold Rush, and the rapid development of its economy and infrastructure. This territorial change fundamentally altered the demographic and cultural landscape of California, paving the way for it to become a diverse and populous state.

By understanding this outcome, one can appreciate the geopolitical shifts that took place in the mid-19th century and their lasting impact on California's history and development. The other options do not accurately reflect the direct effects of the treaty. For instance, while gold was discovered in California in 1848, it was a separate event that occurred shortly after the treaty but was not an outcome of the treaty itself.