Mexican–American War

The Mexican–American War

The Mexican–American War was a time when the United States and Mexico had some disagreements. It lasted from 1846 to 1848. This war happened because the United States wanted to grow and expand its land.

Why It Happened

After Texas joined the United States in 1845, Mexico was very upset. Mexico still thought Texas was their land. President James K. Polk sent soldiers to an area both countries argued about. When Mexican soldiers fought back, it led to the war.

The War

U.S. soldiers moved quickly and took control of places like Santa Fe de Nuevo México and Alta California. Finally, U.S. troops entered Mexico City in 1847. The war was hard for both sides, but it ended with a treaty.

The Treaty

The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Mexico gave up large parts of its land, including parts of today’s Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, and other states. In return, the United States paid Mexico $15 million and agreed to take on some of Mexico’s debt to American citizens.

After the War

The war caused many debates in the United States and added to tensions that later helped cause the American Civil War. For Mexico, losing so much land was very painful. Leaders in Mexico tried to understand why they lost and what they could do to improve. Over time, the two countries became friends and worked together.

Fun Facts

• Many leaders who later fought in the Civil War, like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, learned important skills during the Mexican–American War.
• The war helped the idea that the United States was meant to grow and expand, called Manifest Destiny.
• There is a cemetery in Mexico City for U.S. soldiers who died during the war, kept by the American Battle Monuments Commission.