Describe the beginnings of the Mexican American war .
The Mexican-American War began in 1846 and lasted until 1848. Its origins can be traced back to several factors:
1. Texas Independence: In 1836, Texas declared itself independent from Mexico, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas. However, Mexico refused to recognize Texas' independence and considered it a rebellious province.
2. Annexation of Texas: In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States as the 28th state, which intensified the tensions between Mexico and the US. Mexico viewed this annexation as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty.
3. Border Dispute: The border between Texas and Mexico was a subject of contention. Mexico claimed that the boundary was the Nueces River, while the US insisted that the border was the Rio Grande. This disagreement led to numerous cross-border conflicts.
4. Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny, which believed that the United States had a divine right to expand across the North American continent, further fueled American expansionist ambitions. Many Americans believed that the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico should rightfully become part of the US.
5. Polk's Policies: James K. Polk, the US President at the time, was a strong advocate of expansionism. He pursued policies to provoke Mexico into a military conflict to secure the desired territories.
The war officially began on April 25, 1846, when Mexican troops attacked American forces near the disputed border. The conflict resulted in several major battles, including the Battle of Palo Alto, the Battle of Buena Vista, and the Battle of Monterrey.
Ultimately, the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded vast territories to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Mexican-American War significantly reshaped the borders of both nations and had long-lasting consequences for the history and relations between Mexico and the United States.