The Mexican American War
Sights to See
As tensions rose with Mexico in response to the annexation of Texas by the United States, war became inevitable. On April 25, 1846, Mexican cavalry attacked American troops in a disputed zone between the Rio Grande and Nueces River. On May 13, Congress declared war on Mexico. The United States’ forces were able to relatively easily conquer Mexican territory north of the Rio Grande. As Mexico’s losses began adding up, an exiled general, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, promised to end the war on terms favorable to the United States if he was allowed to return from Cuba. However, he turned on his word and led the Mexican army upon his return. Santa Anna suffered heavy casualties and was forced to retreat at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. Eventually, Santa Anna resigned. The Treaty of Guadalupe was signed on February 2, 1848. It established the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexican border. Mexico was also forced to recognized the annexation of Texas. Mexico agreed to sell California and the rest of its territory north of the Rio Grande for $15 million.
As tensions rose with Mexico in response to the annexation of Texas by the United States, war became inevitable. On April 25, 1846, Mexican cavalry attacked American troops in a disputed zone between the Rio Grande and Nueces River. On May 13, Congress declared war on Mexico. The United States’ forces were able to relatively easily conquer Mexican territory north of the Rio Grande. As Mexico’s losses began adding up, an exiled general, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, promised to end the war on terms favorable to the United States if he was allowed to return from Cuba. However, he turned on his word and led the Mexican army upon his return. Santa Anna suffered heavy casualties and was forced to retreat at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. Eventually, Santa Anna resigned. The Treaty of Guadalupe was signed on February 2, 1848. It established the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexican border. Mexico was also forced to recognized the annexation of Texas. Mexico agreed to sell California and the rest of its territory north of the Rio Grande for $15 million.
Map
Traveler Reviews
Winfield Scott- Before the Mexican-American War, I had fought in the War of 1812. I am an experienced general. I used my skills to plan strategic attacks in the Mexican-American War. I won many victories for the United States. The defeated Mexicans were even impressed with my military skills. I won the last major battle of the Mexican-American War when my troops and I stormed the Chapulecta Fortress at the edge of Mexico City. The Mexican-American War allowed to flex my leadership skills in hopes to one day become the President of the United State.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- When the Mexican-American War began, I was living as an exile in Cuba. I knew it was time for my return. I had to trick the United States into allowing my return by promising to negotiate peace. Of course, I seized the Mexican army upon my return. Though I was unsuccessful in the war, I still secured my place as the savior of the people.
Winfield Scott- Before the Mexican-American War, I had fought in the War of 1812. I am an experienced general. I used my skills to plan strategic attacks in the Mexican-American War. I won many victories for the United States. The defeated Mexicans were even impressed with my military skills. I won the last major battle of the Mexican-American War when my troops and I stormed the Chapulecta Fortress at the edge of Mexico City. The Mexican-American War allowed to flex my leadership skills in hopes to one day become the President of the United State.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- When the Mexican-American War began, I was living as an exile in Cuba. I knew it was time for my return. I had to trick the United States into allowing my return by promising to negotiate peace. Of course, I seized the Mexican army upon my return. Though I was unsuccessful in the war, I still secured my place as the savior of the people.
Photos from the Trip
Why you should visit
The Mexican-American was the product of erupted tensions between Mexico and the United States of America. The Treaty of Guadalupe resolved the war. It established the Rio Grande the Mexico-United States border that still serves as the border today. The US received major territorial gain which further the discussion of whether or not slavery would be allowed in the new territories.
The Mexican-American was the product of erupted tensions between Mexico and the United States of America. The Treaty of Guadalupe resolved the war. It established the Rio Grande the Mexico-United States border that still serves as the border today. The US received major territorial gain which further the discussion of whether or not slavery would be allowed in the new territories.