Mexican-American War

Campaign

After the declaration of war, U.S. forces invaded Mexican territory on several fronts. In the Pacific, the U.S. Navy sent John D. Sloat to occupy California and claim it for the U.S. because of concerns that Britain might also attempt to occupy the area. He linked up with Anglo colonists in Northern California who had previously declared an independent California Republic and occupied some key cities. Meanwhile, U.S. army troops under Stephen W. Kearny occupied Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Kearny led a small force to California where, after some initial reverses, he united with naval reinforcements under Robert F. Stockton to occupy San Diego and Los Angeles.

Related Topics:
John D. Sloat - California - Britain - California Republic - Stephen W. Kearny - Santa Fe, New Mexico - Robert F. Stockton - San Diego - Los Angeles

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The main force led by Taylor continued across the Rio Grande into Mexico, winning the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846. Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna personally marched north to fight Taylor but was defeated at the battle of Buena Vista on February 22, 1847. Meanwhile, rather than reinforce Taylor's army for a continued advance, President Polk sent a second army under U.S. general Winfield Scott in March, which was transported to the port of Veracruz by sea, to begin an invasion of the Mexican heartland. Scott won the Siege of Veracruz and marched toward Mexico City, winning the battles of Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec and occupying the Mexican capital.

Related Topics:
Battle of Monterrey - Antonio López de Santa Anna - Buena Vista - February 22 - 1847 - Winfield Scott - Veracruz - Siege of Veracruz - Mexico City - Cerro Gordo - Chapultepec

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The Treaty of Cahuenga, signed on January 13, 1847, ended the fighting in California. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, ended the war and gave the USA undisputed control of Texas as well as California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming. In return, Mexico received $18,250,000 or the equivalent of $627,482,629 in today's dollars, total for the cost of the war.

Related Topics:
Treaty of Cahuenga - January 13 - 1847 - California - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo - February 2 - 1848 - Colorado - Arizona - New Mexico - Wyoming

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