War -the Mexican-American War (1846-1848):

 the Mexican-American War (1846-1848):

• Conditions Before the War:

  • The Republic of Texas had declared independence from Mexico in 1836, but Mexico refused to recognize it.
  • The United States annexed Texas in 1845, further escalating tensions.
  • A dispute arose over the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Texas claimed the Rio Grande as its southern border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River.
  • Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean, fueled American expansionism.
  • Mexico was politically unstable, making it difficult to negotiate a peaceful resolution.

• How the War Started:

  • President James K. Polk ordered U.S. troops under General Zachary Taylor to the Rio Grande, which Mexico considered an invasion of its territory.
  • In April 1846, Mexican forces attacked U.S. troops, leading Polk to declare that "American blood has been shed on American soil."
  • The U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico in May 1846.
  • The U.S. military launched offensives on multiple fronts, including California, New Mexico, and central Mexico.
  • U.S. forces achieved a series of victories, including the capture of Mexico City in September 1847.

• How the War Ended:

  • The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in February 1848.
  • Mexico ceded a vast territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.
  • The United states ¹ paid Mexico 15 million do