U.S. Territorial Acquisitions and Maritime Zones

Flashcards defining key historic U.S. territorial boundary agreements and established maritime zones.

Oregon settlement

1846 agreement establishing much of the U.S.-Canadian border at the 49th parallel.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

1848 treaty transferring large southwestern territories from Mexico to the United States.

Gadsden Purchase

1853 purchase of land in present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico.

Seward's Folly

Nickname for the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia.

Territorial sea

Waters extending generally 12 nautical miles from a nation's coast.

Contiguous zone

Maritime zone extending generally from 12 to 24 nautical miles from shore.