The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that lasted from 1846 to 1848. Here are key details about this significant event:
Background
- The war was largely driven by the expansionist policies of the U.S., known as "Manifest Destiny," which promoted the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent.
- Tensions rose due to the annexation of Texas by the U.S. in 1845, which Mexico did not recognize, claiming that Texas was still part of Mexican territory.
- The dispute over the Nueces River and the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas further escalated tensions.
Outbreak of War
- The war officially began on May 13, 1846, when the U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico after a skirmish at the Thornton Affair near the Rio Grande.
- President James K. Polk played a crucial role in leading the U.S. into this conflict, seeking to expand U.S. territory to the Pacific Ocean.
Major Events
- Battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma: These were the first major engagements of the war, fought near the Rio Grande in May 1846.
- Capture of Monterrey: U.S. forces captured this key Mexican city in September 1846 after a brief siege.
- Veracruz Campaign: In March 1847, General Winfield Scott led an amphibious assault on Veracruz, which then served as a base for the campaign towards Mexico City.
- Battle of Mexico City: After a series of battles, including Chapultepec, U.S. forces occupied Mexico City on September 14, 1847.
Consequences
Impact
- The war significantly increased the size of the United States, fulfilling the vision of Manifest Destiny.
- It also reignited debates over slavery in the newly acquired territories, leading to further sectional conflict culminating in the American Civil War.
- Mexico faced a long-term economic and political destabilization due to the loss of territory and the costs of the war.
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