Mexican War

 By: Kristen Van Gilder 
Return to Homepage

Mexico and The United States argued over the boundaries of Texas stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The United States claimed that Rio Grande River was considered the southern boundary for Texas, but Mexico claimed that the Nueces River was the southern border of Texas. The undecided borders let to much controversy between the two countries and lead to an outbreak of war.

The Mexicans attacked Taylor's troops on the Rio Grande River, when Taylor refused to leave the territory. The aggressive move by Mexico led Congress to declare war on May 13th, 1846.After The United States controlled the territories of what they claimed to be Texas they advanced further into Mexico to hit the heart of the country, Mexico City. In 1874
Mexico City was captured by Winfeild Scott. John C. Fremont helped Americans in California join together and form a republic. Later the Navy came to California, along with Stephen Kearny's small army they were able to give the United States complete control of California.
Mexico gave up fighting, realizing their defeat and in the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which was signed in 1848, Mexico agreed Texas belonged to the United States. In addition Mexico gave up all the lands between Texas and the Pacific, including the future states of New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah and Nevada. In return of all the new territory the United States paid Mexico $15 million.