How did the Mexican American War transform the nation?
Cause of War
Disagreements between Mexico and the United States ignited tension between the two. After the Texas Revolution, Texas gained Independence in 1836. The president at that time was James A. Polk and he believed in "manifest destiny". His eyes were laid upon Texas and other regions of the Southwest better known as the Mexican Cession. When Texas became an independent nation, Congress wanted to annex the region to become part of the United States, adding on the western expansion. Even though Texas was officially declared independent, Mexico claimed the land. In an attempt to keep Americans away, Mexico attacked U.S. forces that were occupying the area. Congress then declared war on April 25, 1846.
Disagreements between Mexico and the United States ignited tension between the two. After the Texas Revolution, Texas gained Independence in 1836. The president at that time was James A. Polk and he believed in "manifest destiny". His eyes were laid upon Texas and other regions of the Southwest better known as the Mexican Cession. When Texas became an independent nation, Congress wanted to annex the region to become part of the United States, adding on the western expansion. Even though Texas was officially declared independent, Mexico claimed the land. In an attempt to keep Americans away, Mexico attacked U.S. forces that were occupying the area. Congress then declared war on April 25, 1846.
Battles of War
End of War
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo brought the war to an end on February 2, 1848. Because of this treaty, the United States acquired the Mexican Cession, the land occupied by California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Though various Senators opposed the treaty, the U.S. Eventually paid $15 million for the land and promised to protect the Mexicans living in that area. Later on in 1853, the Gadsden Purchase was made. For $10 million America retrieved a strip of land that included parts of present-day Mexico and Arizona, and was favored by railroad builders because of the flat land.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo brought the war to an end on February 2, 1848. Because of this treaty, the United States acquired the Mexican Cession, the land occupied by California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Though various Senators opposed the treaty, the U.S. Eventually paid $15 million for the land and promised to protect the Mexicans living in that area. Later on in 1853, the Gadsden Purchase was made. For $10 million America retrieved a strip of land that included parts of present-day Mexico and Arizona, and was favored by railroad builders because of the flat land.
LEQ: The Mexican-American War transformed the nation by adding over 500,000 square miles of favorable land to the expanding nation. The purchase later brought about economic and population growth with events like the California Gold Rush. Purchases that resulted from the treaty and the Gadsden Purchase has further fulfilled the nation's "manifest destiny". Aside from territorial growth, the War has shaped our foreign and domestic relations with Mexico and has created an unequal balance between political and military affairs.
More information about the expansion to the west allows you to dig deep into the story California Gold Rush.
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