Mexican–American War

A war fought between the United States and Mexico between 1846-1848. Also called the Mexican War' or US-Mexico War.

The war grew out of the Mexican conflict with Texas. In 1845 Texas joined the United States; however, Mexico still considered Texas a part of their country. That same year the United States offended Mexico by offering to purchase California and New Mexico from them. The war begins in April 24, 1846 when Mexican cavalry entered Texas and attacked a US scouting party under General Zachary Taylor. The United States declared war on Mexico on May 13th after battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. In 1846 American forces took several cities in California including (temporarily) Los Angeles. The battle of Monterey took place in September of 1846. 1847 saw the battles of Buena Vista where Gen. Taylor secured the conquest of California and New Mexico, and Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec (Mexico City) as the U.S army under Gen. Winfield Scott drove into the heart of Mexico.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago was signed on Feb. 2, 1848 and ended the War and gave the U.S. undisputed control of Texas as well as California and most of Arizona and New Mexico.