In The Squatter and the Don, María Amparo Ruiz de Burton uses the storyline to educate the readers on life after and the effects of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for Mexicans. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which marked the end of the Mexican-American War meant that many Mexicans would go through an identity and cultural change. Those who decided to stay and live on their lands in the new territories of the United States suffered many changes, ill-treatment and discrimination. These territories which were once their homeland and representation of their identity started going through changes, therefore, they had to become accustomed to the customs, ways of thinking, laws and people of their new country.

Through this time of change Mexicans were forced to fight and prove the right for their lands, protect their identity and become accustomed to a place where their power and importance was not respected. Once Mexico signed the treaty with the United States, the Mexicans who stayed on these lands had no protection whatsoever from their own nation and were forced into a circumstance of displacement and uncertainty. It is interesting how Ruiz de Barton uses a classical story of romance in order to explain and mask historical content within it. She creates a story involving distinct characters to make the reader understand the consequences and life after the signing of the treaty in a more personal perspective.

It is interesting how the land and space create somewhat of a relationship between the Don and the squatter and also play a role in demonstrating the ill treatment Mexicans received after the transfer of lands from Mexico to the United States. Throughout the first twenty chapters it is evident how the laws that referred to land ownership did not take into consideration the Mexicans that owned their lands from before the treaty. The law enabled it to make it easier for the squatters to take over a property without taking into consideration its rightful owner. The laws worked to benefit the Anglos and in lessening the power and land control of the Mexicans. The Anglos have no respect for the original inhabitants and even go as far as criticizing Don Mariano and implying that these inhabitants do not know how to do business well and take good care of their lands. These divisive laws create a clear division between the two nationalities and their position in society and the law. I look forward in continuing this novel and examining how two coasts and two distinct nationalities start to coexist and form relationships together.

-Stephanie