List the causes and effects of the Mexican War (include at least two causes and two effects)
Causes of the Mexican War:
1. Annexation of Texas: The annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845 was a major cause of the Mexican War. Mexico considered Texas as part of its territory, but the United States claimed it as an independent nation and eventually annexed it, leading to tensions between the two countries.
2. Border Disputes: There were ongoing border disputes between Mexico and the United States. The United States claimed that the border was the Rio Grande, while Mexico argued it was the Nueces River. This dispute over the border led to increased tensions and ultimately triggered the Mexican War.
Effects of the Mexican War:
1. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Mexican War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. As per the treaty, Mexico ceded a significant portion of its territory to the United States – including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This acquisition greatly expanded the territorial size of the United States.
2. Strained U.S.-Mexico Relations: The Mexican War left a lasting impact on the relationship between the United States and Mexico. It deepened the distrust and hostility between the two nations. The loss of significant territories to the United States also led to a sense of humiliation and resentment in Mexico, which had long-lasting effects on future interactions between the two countries.