Alta California Hispanic Natives
I need history clarification. I have read that California, Oregon, and Washington state were parts of Mexico. Later, USA purchased them from Mexico. What is the whole story? Great question — it's a common historical misunderstanding, and you're not alone in being confused. Here's the full clarification: --- Short Answer: Only California (and parts of other southwestern states) were part of Mexico. Oregon and Washington were never part of Mexico — they were part of the Oregon Country, jointly claimed by the U.S. and Britain, then peacefully acquired by the U.S. --- Detailed Breakdown: 1. Background: Mexico’s Territory (1821–1848) When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, it inherited Alta California — which included present-day: California Parts of Nevada Utah Arizona New Mexico Part of Colorado Western Texas This territory did not include Oregon or Washington. --- 2. U.S.–Mexico War & Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1846–1848) The Mexican-American War was fought ...