Mexican-American War

Definition

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, which directly influenced trade relationships and immigration patterns in Texas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican-American War was fueled by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which motivated many Americans to support territorial expansion.
2. The conflict led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which established the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.
3. Following the war, the acquisition of new territories created a surge in immigration to Texas as settlers sought opportunities in farming and mining.
4. The war intensified debates over slavery in newly acquired territories, influencing political tensions that contributed to the onset of the Civil War.
5. This conflict marked a turning point in U.S.-Mexico relations, establishing a long-standing border dispute that has persisted over time.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican-American War impact Texas's economic relationships with other states?
  • The Mexican-American War significantly enhanced Texas's economic relationships by expanding its territory and resources. With new lands acquired from Mexico, Texas became more integrated into national markets, facilitating trade with other states. The influx of settlers after the war also created demand for goods and services, further stimulating economic growth and establishing Texas as a crucial player in international trade.
• Discuss how the annexation of Texas contributed to tensions that led to the Mexican-American War.
  • The annexation of Texas was a major factor in escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico. When Texas joined the U.S. in 1845, it was still a contested region with unresolved borders. Mexico viewed this act as an invasion of its territory, leading to military confrontations. The U.S. claim that the Rio Grande marked the border fueled further disputes, ultimately resulting in the outbreak of war as both nations sought to assert their claims.
• Evaluate how immigration patterns changed in Texas as a result of the Mexican-American War and subsequent territorial gains.
  • The Mexican-American War led to significant changes in immigration patterns in Texas by opening up vast new territories for settlement. Following the war, many Americans migrated westward into areas such as California and New Mexico, drawn by opportunities for land and wealth from resources like gold. This influx altered the demographics of Texas as diverse groups settled in these regions, creating a melting pot of cultures that continues to influence Texas identity today.

Related terms

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, wherein Mexico ceded over half of its territory to the United States in exchange for $15 million and the assumption of certain claims against Mexico.

Annexation: The act of adding a territory to an existing political unit, particularly in reference to Texas joining the United States in 1845, which heightened tensions leading to the Mexican-American War.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, serving as a motivation for the war.