Mexican American war

overview Mainly over the battle for Texas In 1845, Texas joined the United States as the 28th state. Mexico didn't like that the United States took over Texas. There also was a disagreement over the border of Texas. Mexico said the border was at the Nueces River, while Texas claimed the border was further south at the Rio Grande River. 

mexico Had claimed independence from Spain in 1821. General Santa Anna takes over in 1832. Had already fought the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Had also fought at the Battle of San Jacinto later that year.

Texas Claimed independence from Mexico in 1836 (Alamo) Sam Houston from San Jacinto becomes first “president” In 1845, Texas joins the United States as an official state President James K. Polk sent troops to Texas to protect the border. Soon Mexican and US troops were shooting at each other. All American forces were either killed, wounded, or captured. On July 7, 1846 the United States declared war on Mexico. 

The war part 1 The Mexican army was led by General Santa Anna. The US forces were led by Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. General Taylor's forces were the first to engage the Mexican army. They fought a battle at Palo Alto where the Mexicans were forced to retreat. 

The war part 2 American forces advanced into Mexico fighting battles at the city of Monterrey and a mountain pass called Buena Vista. At the Battle of Buena Vista, General Taylor and 5,000 troops were attacked by 14,000 Mexican troops led by Santa Anna. They held off the attack and won the battle despite being outnumbered. 

The war part 3 General Scott was sent to capture Mexico City, the capital. Mexicans agreed to a peace treaty called the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. New border at the Rio Grande $15 million for the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona Portions of Wyoming, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado 55% of Mexican territory was lost after the war