U.S.-Mexican War and Territorial Expansion

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President Polk desired to expand the United States and annexed the Republic of Texas in 1845.

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The United States gained western territories, including present-day New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and California.

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Mexico never recognized Texas independence and considered Texas a Mexican state in rebellion.

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Mexico and the United States had ongoing disputes about Texas’ southern border, leading to conflict.

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President Polk stationed U.S. troops between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande in disputed territory.

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Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and clashed with U.S. forces, leading to war.

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U.S. troops entered the contested region near the Rio Grande in early 1846, provoking Mexico.

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The United States declared war on Mexico in May 1846.

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U.S. territorial expansion westward after victory over Mexico.

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Increased national tensions regarding the spread of slavery in new territories.

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The United States' need for suitable terrain to construct a southern transcontinental railroad.

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The United States purchased southern Arizona and New Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase (1854).

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Texas established its borders after the war.

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The U.S. government agreed to pay the debts Texas owed to Mexico.

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Acquisition of new territories without immediate determination on slavery status.

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Intensified national debates and conflicts that resulted in the Compromise of 1850.

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The United States' victory in the U.S.-Mexican War.

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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in U.S. territorial gains including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

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The Compromise of 1850 addressing tensions from newly acquired Mexican territories.

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California became a free state, slave trade was abolished in Washington, D.C., and Texas boundaries were established in exchange for debt repayment by the U.S. government.