The Mexican-American War (1846–1848) was a pivotal conflict that dramatically reshaped the map of North America and intensified debates over slavery and expansion in the United States.
Overview
- Dates: April 25, 1846 – February 2, 1848
- Belligerents: United States 🇺🇸 vs. Mexico 🇲🇽
- Cause: Sparked by the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845, which Mexico still considered its territory. Disputes over the Texas-Mexico border (Rio Grande vs. Nueces River) escalated into armed conflict
Key Battles
- Battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma: Early U.S. victories in Texas.
- Siege of Veracruz: A major amphibious assault led by General Winfield Scott.
- Battle of Chapultepec: U.S. forces stormed the fortress guarding Mexico City.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- Signed on February 2, 1848, ending the war
- Mexico ceded over 500,000 square miles of territory to the U.S., including present-day:
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Utah
- Parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas
- The U.S. paid Mexico $15 million for the land
- Impact
- Manifest Destiny: The war fulfilled the U.S. belief in its divine right to expand westward
- Slavery debate: New territories reignited fierce arguments over the expansion of slavery, setting the stage for the Civil War.
- Military experience: Future Civil War leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee gained valuable combat experience.
Lesson Learning 