Annexation
the term applied to the acquisition by a country of territory which was formerly independent or was possessed by another country. The term is applied more properly to the acquisition of adjoining territory, but has come to be used in a broader sense, and is now applied to any territory added to an existing state. Among the most notable annexations are those of Alsace- Lorraine to Germany in 1870; of California to the United States, as a result of the Mexican War; of the South African states as a result of the Boer War; and the changes of territory resulting from the defeat of Germany in the World War. The inhabitants of annexed territory are absolved from allegiance to their former sovereign. Titles to property are not affected, except in the substitution of the new sovereign for the old. Annexation is brought about by treaty, by proclamation, or by legislative act. It may be made complete in spite of the active or passive opposition of the inhabitants of the territory affected.