The Mexican-American War (April 25, 1846 – February 2, 1848) was a significant conflict that resulted in substantial territorial gains for the United States and had lasting implications for both nations.
Origins of the Conflict
The roots of the war trace back to the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845, a move Mexico viewed as a violation of its sovereignty. President James K. Polk, driven by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, sought to expand U.S. territory westward. Diplomatic efforts to purchase the disputed territories were unsuccessful, leading to military confrontations along the Texas-Mexico border.
Major Campaigns and Battles
Western Front
U.S. forces, led by General Stephen Kearny, advanced from Fort Leavenworth to secure New Mexico and California. Kearny’s forces captured Santa Fe without significant resistance and subsequently divided, with portions moving southward under Colonel Alexander Doniphan, eventually reaching Chihuahua. Concurrently, Captain John C. Frémont, with a group of 60 men, incited a rebellion among American settlers in California against Mexican authorities. Supported by U.S. naval forces, this uprising led to the establishment of the California Republic.
Battles in Texas
General Zachary Taylor engaged Mexican forces in a series of battles, including the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma in May 1846, utilizing superior artillery tactics. In February 1847, at the Battle of Buena Vista, Taylor’s forces successfully repelled a larger Mexican army led by General Santa Anna.
Veracruz and Mexico City Campaigns
General Winfield Scott initiated an amphibious assault on Veracruz in March 1847, leading to its surrender after a brief siege. He then advanced inland, defeating Santa Anna at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. By August 1847, Scott’s forces reached Mexico City, overcoming Mexican defenses in battles such as Contreras and Churubusco. The fall of Chapultepec Fortress in September led to the capture of Mexico City, effectively ending major combat operations.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848. This agreement established the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexico border and resulted in Mexico ceding a vast territory known as the Mexican Cession, which included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. In exchange, the United States paid $15 million and assumed certain claims against Mexico.
Consequences and Legacy
The acquisition of new territories intensified debates over slavery’s expansion, contributing to sectional tensions that eventually led to the American Civil War. The war also had profound effects on indigenous populations, as U.S. expansion into the West disrupted their lands and ways of life. Additionally, the conflict left a legacy of mistrust between the United States and Mexico, influencing their diplomatic relations for years to come.
External Resources
For a more in-depth exploration of the Mexican-American War:
