What were the main causes of the Mexican-American War?
Mexico's refusal to acknowledge Texas as a part of the United States, the Texas Annexation as a slave state, and the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty were the main causes of the Mexican-American War.
Disagreement over the Nueces Strip
The initial cause of the Mexican-American War was a disagreement over the Nueces Strip between the United States and Texas. Mexico did not acknowledge Texas as real American territory, which led to tensions between the two countries. Mexico's refusal to recognize Texas as part of the United States was a major factor that sparked the conflict. The disputed territory of the Nueces Strip became a focal point of the disagreement, ultimately leading to war.
Texas Annexation
Nine years after gaining independence from Mexico, Texas was annexed to the Union as a slave state. The annexation of Texas played a significant role in the Mexican-American War. Mexico viewed the annexation of Texas as a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, further exacerbating the tensions between the two countries. The Texan desire for statehood and the United States' ambition for westward expansion fueled the conflict and eventually led to war.
Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty
The Mexican-American War culminated in the signing of the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty in 1848. Mexico ceded California and New Mexico to the United States as part of the treaty, marking the end of the conflict. The treaty was a result of Mexico's defeat in the war and the United States' military superiority. The cession of California and New Mexico further solidified America's westward expansion and territorial gains.
In conclusion, the Mexican-American War was caused by Mexico's refusal to acknowledge Texas independence, the annexation of Texas as a slave state, and the signing of the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty. These factors contributed to the escalation of tensions between the United States and Mexico, ultimately leading to a two-year conflict that reshaped the territorial boundaries of North America.