The Mexican-American War 1846–1848 CICERO © 2010

Battle of Monterrey September 21–24, 1846 The Battle of Monterrey took place from September 21–24, The United States military was attempting to take over Monterrey. They tried for three days, but were not advancing; and their artillery was depleted. On September 24 American General William Worth led his Texas Rangers division to control the Mexican hills, where he set up cannons to strike retreating Mexican forces. The Texas Rangers eventually surrounded the Mexican forces in Monterrey. They used light explosives to blow the Mexicans out of buildings and force the Mexican commander to surrender. CICERO © 2010 American forces take the heights surrounding Monterrey.

Important Americans Key Americans in the Mexican American War include: Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman These men later would be on opposing sides during the Civil War

Battle of Buena Vista February 22–23, 1847 The Battle of Buena Vista was fought from February 22–23, General Pedro de Ampudia led Mexican troops against Joseph Fane’s Indiana Brigade and forced its retreat. General Zachary Taylor was notified and led his troops to counterattack. The battle was fought to a standstill, but Taylor’s forces confused the Mexicans when the Americans temporarily stopped and then resumed fire. The Mexicans bought time when they lied about a temporary cease fire until General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna resumed the Mexican attacks. However, the Americans repelled these attacks. CICERO © 2010

Battle of Veracruz March 9–29, 1847 The Veracruz conflict lasted from March 9–29 in General Winfield Scott led the American landing at Veracruz. Scott’s forces surrounded the city and cut Veracruz’s water supply. However, a storm hindered Scott’s opportunity to set up his weapons. Scott used the time to prepare for an attack from land and sea. Mexican General Juan Morales refused Scott’s surrender; this prompted Robert E. Lee to lead an offensive on land while American ships fired at the enemy. Scott planned another assault, but Mexican forces called for a truce and surrendered. CICERO © 2010 American Positions at Veracruz

Final days of the War September 1847 Commander Winfield Scott captures Mexico City After about 1 ½ years of fighting the Mexican-American War ended in an American victory

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo February 2, 1848 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War. Signed on February 2, 1848, it led to the Mexican Cession. With that provision, Mexico gave the United States more than five hundred thousand square miles, including present-day Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. The United States acquired the remaining parts of Arizona and New Mexico through the Gadsden Purchase. Mexico received fifteen million dollars to rebuild its war-torn country. CICERO © 2010