US-Mexico War (1846 – 1848)
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The US-Mexico War (also called the Mexican-American War) was a major conflict between the two nations over territory and political disputes.
• Causes:
• The US annexed Texas in 1845, angering Mexico.
• The US wanted to expand its territory to the Pacific Ocean (Manifest Destiny).
• Border disputes between Texas and Mexico escalated into war.
• The War:
• The United States, led by General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott, invaded Mexico.
• In 1847, US forces captured Mexico City, forcing Mexico to surrender.
• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848):
• Mexico lost half of its territory to the US, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
• The US paid $15 million in compensation.
This defeat was a major national tragedy for Mexico and led to internal instability.