When was mexican american war

In September of , after a masterful overland campaign, American troops under Scott captured Mexico's capital, Mexico City, and the fighting ended.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo sealed the American victory in Mexico also agreed to finally relinquish all of Texas, including the disputed area along the border. The U. Congress approved the treaty on March Although the Mexican War had been won, the conflict over what to do with the vast amounts of territory gained from the war sparked further controversy in the U. The question over whether slavery would spread to these new territories would drive North and South even further apart.

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The new U. Polk, also wanted Texas as part of the United States, and his predecessor, John Tyler, had a late change of heart and started the admission process before he left office. The U. Mexico considered the annexation of Texas as an act of war. After a series of border skirmishes, President Polk asked Congress for the war declaration because, under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, only Congress could declare war. In the fighting that followed, the mostly-volunteer United States military secured control of Mexico after a series of battles, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, Stephen W.

Kearny and Commodore Robert F. Stockton were able to conquer those lands with minimal resistance. Taylor likewise had little trouble advancing, and he captured Monterrey in September.

Santa Anna convinced Polk that, if allowed to return to Mexico, he would end the war on terms favorable to the United States. But when he arrived, he immediately double-crossed Polk by taking control of the Mexican army and leading it into battle. Despite the loss, he assumed the Mexican presidency the following month. Meanwhile, U. Winfield Scott landed in Veracruz and took over the city.

The Mexicans resisted at Cerro Gordo and elsewhere, but were bested each time. Guerilla attacks against U.

Santa Anna resigned, and the United States waited for a new government capable of negotiations to form. Finally, on Feb. Under the treaty, Mexico also recognized the U. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present.

Although nearly everyone at the Alamo was killed or captured, Texas achieved independence when Sam Before invading Mexico, the U. In late, President James K. Polk sent diplomat John Slidell on a secret mission to Mexico.