How it began
The Mexican Cession was a major fight with both the Americans and Mexicans during the Manifest Destiny.The two countries fought over the possession of the present-day states California(Yay!),Nevada,Utah,New Mexico,Wyoming,and Arizona, thus beginning the Mexican-American War.*FUN FACTS: Those states made up about 1/3 of Mexico's land back then.* **Texas had gained freedom from mexico in 1836.**
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The Mexican-American War
Through (April 25,1846- February 2,1848) the war which had lasted about 4 years, had started due to the two countries disputing over the 525,000 square miles of land (California,Nevada,New Mexico,Wyoming,Utah,and Arizona).Polk had declared war on Mexico by going to U.S Congress speaking of Mexicans spilling blood on American soil, in which the official declaration of war happened two days later. Word got out, then General Antonio Lopez of Santa Anna a very charismatic man, had convinced Polk that he would aid the Americans in taking over the disputed land. Lopez had then back-stabbed Polk by taking over the entire Mexican army. The first battle on April 25, was led by U.S. General Zachary Taylor, in which Mexicans had ambushed the troops effectively killing a dozen soldiers. Then General Winfield Scott's troops took over the town of Veracruz, while Taylor had defeated Monterrey in September.This eventually led to the battle of Buena Vista (February 22, 1847 - February 23,1847)*FUN FACT*: This war is also known as the invasion of Mexico.
The aftermath
In the end the Mexicans suffered a huge loss, in which their capital and their entire army was defeated.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The defeat had then led to the creation of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. The 525,000 square miles was sold to America for 15 Million. Mexico had also given up Texas and saw the Rio grande as America's southern border.*FUN FACT*: Only 75,000 Mexicans lived north of the Rio Grande before the treaty existed.
Credits:
Created with images by arwensouth - "Rio Grande Gorge" • cliff1066™ - "James Knox Polk, Eleventh President (1845-1849)"