What if Mexico had discovered gold in California (Yes, I know there was a post about that earlier) and then managed to buy a ceasefire with America, possibly by offering tribute in gold or something.
What would happen if Mexico kept control of what would have been the Mexican Cession?
Would this have bound the US closer together against a more powerful Mexico?
Would Mexico still be able to hold on to these lands, or would they end up like Texas?
WOULD Mexico be more powerful?