The United States and Mexico share a long and complicated history, and the border between the two countries has been a source of tension for centuries. This article will explore the history of the border between the two countries and where it lies now.
History of the Border
The first border between the United States and Mexico was established in 1848, following the Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, defined the Rio Grande as the new border between the two countries.
The Rio Grande was chosen as the border because the river had long been considered a natural boundary between Mexico and the United States. The river had been used as a boundary in treaties between the two countries since the early 19th century.
However, the river was not always an effective boundary. In the years following the Mexican-American War, the two countries often disagreed on where the border actually lay. This led to a number of disputes, which were eventually resolved by a commission in 1872.
Where the Border Lies Now
Today, the border between the United States and Mexico is still largely defined by the Rio Grande. The border follows the course of the river from El Paso, Texas to the Gulf of Mexico.
However, there are some exceptions. In some areas, the border does not follow the river’s course, but rather follows a line determined by a treaty or other agreement. For example, in the Big Bend area of Texas, the border follows a line set by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
In addition, there are areas where the border does not follow either the river or a line set by a treaty. In these areas, the border is determined by a combination of geography, culture, and history.
The border between the United States and Mexico is a complex issue, and it has been a source of tension between the two countries for centuries. While the Rio Grande still largely defines the border, there are some exceptions where the border follows a line set by a treaty or other agreement, or is determined by a combination of geography, culture, and history. Ultimately, the border between the two countries is a constantly evolving issue, and one that will likely continue to be a source of tension for years to come.
On July 1, 2020, the Rio Grande became the new border between Mexico and United States, bringing to a close the historic decades-long dispute over the two countries’ shared frontier. The change, which was the result of a series of agreements between the two nations, promises to reduce border crossings and to improve the standard of living for residents on both sides of the divide.
In the early days of the relationship between the United States and Mexico, the Rio Grande served as an informal border. While the two countries shared a common heritage, early disagreements over the border’s exact path meant that it was never officially recognized. With time, the differences between the two countries widened, and the border dispute became a source of increased tension between them.
In recent years, however, the two nations have come together to resolve the issue. In 2014, the United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which outlined a new border between the two countries. That treaty has now been replaced by the new Rio Grande border, which has been built on the agreement that the two nations “will cooperate to improve security, economic development, and environmental stewardship in the region.”
This new border has already brought notable changes to the area. For example, new infrastructure projects have been constructed to reduce the potential for illegal immigration and trafficking. The two governments have also collaborated on a series of cross-border programs, meant to encourage trade and investment between the two countries.
For centuries, the Rio Grande has been a symbol of the shared aspirations of the United States and Mexico. With the new border, that relationship can now move into a new era of cooperation and collaboration. By working together, the two countries can continue to create a brighter future for their citizens.