The Mexican War
The Mexican-American War went from 1846-1848. Mexico wasn't very prepared with soldiers. President James K. Polk thought United States had a “manifest destiny” expand into the rest of North America. Mexico lost a big part of their territory, including almost all of what we now call California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. President Polk wanted California and New Mexico and when his offer was declined he started a fight and had troops movie in Rio Grande in Mexico. The Mexicans attacked a group of American soldiers in the 'disputed zones' but the Americans fought back and won that battle (Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma). President Polk discussed this issue with congress and 2 days later congress declared war against Mexico. Mexico never officially declared war against America. American troops continued taking over Mexican land that had minimal resistance. Mexico turned to an on general that was living in Cuba , Santa Anna and convinced Polk that if he was allowed to go back to Mexico he would stop the war but instead he took control of the Mexican troops and leading them to fight. That did not turn out well then soon after that a treaty was signed called "Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo" making Rio Grande the border for the US and Mexico also annexed Texas and sold California and anything they owned North of Rio Grande for 15 million.
Key Points
- U.S. troops engaged: 78,718
- American battle deaths: 1,733
- The U.S. fought against Mexico over Texas and California.
- The war was fought in the name of “manifest destiny,” the belief that the United States should possess the entire continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans.
- After settling Texas and admitting it to the Union in 1845, the U.S. wished to negotiate a settlement deal with Mexico, which had recently won its independence from Spain. Mexico declined to negotiate and the U.S. decided to use force.
- American troops under the command of Zachary Taylor moved toward the Rio Grande, which was to be the border with Mexico. They met resistance from the Mexicans, and the skirmish marked the war's first conflict.
- U.S. troops moved west and claimed Sante Fe, New Mexico (1846) and California (1847).
- Leadership in Mexico changed hands several times during the war and caused confusion within the military. American troops overtook Mexico's weakened army and declared victory.
- The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848. Mexico gave up two-fifths of its territory and received $15 million from the U.S. for damages.
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769975.html
http://www.history.com/topics/mexican-american-war