Mexican War Summary and Key Events

These flashcards cover key causes, battles, and outcomes of the Mexican War, as well as significant political agreements related to the territories acquired.

Annexation of Texas

The U.S. claim of Texas being independent was not recognized by Mexico, which viewed its annexation as illegal.

Boundary Dispute

The disagreement over the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico, with the U.S. claiming the Rio Grande and Mexico claiming the Nueces River.

California and New Mexico

The U.S. attempt to purchase these territories from Mexico was met with refusal.

Escalation Cause

Mexico's refusal to meet with U.S. envoy Slidell, leading to U.S. military actions.

Battle of Palo Alto

A key battle on May 8-9, 1846, where the U.S. won, leading General Taylor to advance into Mexico.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The treaty in 1848 that ended the war, with Mexico giving up claims to Texas and ceding territory to the U.S.

Mexican Cession

The region ceded by Mexico to the U.S. which included California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of other states.

Gadsden Purchase

An 1852 agreement where the U.S. purchased land in southern New Mexico and Arizona to allow for a railroad, finalizing the U.S. border.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent.

Compromise of 1850

An agreement admitting California as a non-slave state and allowing territories acquired in the Mexican Cession to decide on slavery.