The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a defining conflict that reshaped North America, resulting from the annexation of Texas and territorial disputes. Key battles like Palo Alto and Buena Vista, and the fall of Mexico City, led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty ceded vast lands to the U.S. and set the Rio Grande as Texas's border, influencing future American expansion and the slavery debate, while leaving Mexico with deep national scars and political instability.
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The Mexican-American War was sparked by unresolved disputes following the 1836 Texas Revolution and the subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845
Definition
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable
Influence on Territorial Acquisition
The doctrine of Manifest Destiny fueled the desire for territorial acquisition, leading to the Mexican-American War
President Polk, a staunch advocate for expansion, sought to purchase the disputed territories from Mexico and ultimately ordered American troops to the disputed zone, leading to the declaration of war
The Mexican-American War began with a Mexican assault on American troops in the disputed territory, leading to these two significant battles
Capture of Monterrey
American forces, with superior artillery and leadership, quickly gained the upper hand and captured the city of Monterrey
Battle of Buena Vista
This decisive battle, led by General Zachary Taylor, solidified American control over the disputed territory
The U.S. Navy established a blockade and General Scott executed a successful amphibious assault on Veracruz, followed by a bold inland march to Mexico City
Definition
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the war and had profound territorial and political consequences
Territorial Changes
Mexico ceded a vast area known as the Mexican Cession to the United States, including parts of present-day Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
Compensation and Promises
In exchange for the territory, the United States paid Mexico $15 million and agreed to protect the property and civil rights of Mexican residents in the ceded territories
Territorial Gains
The United States gained significant territory, shaping the modern American West, but also exacerbating the debate over the extension of slavery into new territories
Influence on Foreign Policy
The Mexican-American War set a precedent for American military intervention in pursuit of territorial expansion and had lasting effects on the relationship between the United States and Mexico
National Trauma
The loss of territory was a national trauma for Mexico, contributing to political instability and economic challenges
Reevaluation of Military Tactics
The war prompted a reevaluation of military tactics and training in Mexico, influencing future military engagements
00
The ______-______ War began in April 1846 and marked the first major U.S. conflict fought primarily on foreign land.
Mexican
American
01
The annexation of ______ by the United States in 1845 led to a boundary dispute with Mexico, who considered the ______ River as the border.
Texas
Nueces
02
President ______ ______, who strongly supported U.S. territorial expansion, tried to buy disputed lands from Mexico before resorting to military action in 1846.
James
Polk
