Mexican-American War: A Historical Perspective
How many American soldiers died during the war with Mexico?
approximately 13,000 American soldiers
What were the main causes of the Mexican-American War?
Tensions over the annexation of Texas by the United States and the dispute over the Texas-Mexico border
Who declared war on Mexico in May 1846?
The United States, under President James K. Polk
Answer:
About 13,000 American soldiers lost their lives during the war with Mexico, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. The war was declared by the United States under the leadership of President James K. Polk.
The Mexican-American War, although marked by tragedy in terms of loss of life, played a crucial role in shaping the territorial boundaries of the United States. The conflict emerged from tensions surrounding the annexation of Texas and the disagreements over the Texas-Mexico border.
President James K. Polk's decision to declare war on Mexico in May 1846 set the stage for a series of battles that ultimately resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States. American forces were able to capture key cities such as Mexico City, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded a vast amount of territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. This expansion significantly altered the geographic landscape of the United States.
While the war was controversial and faced opposition from some Americans, its lasting impact cannot be denied. It not only reshaped the territorial boundaries of the United States but also had long-lasting consequences for Mexico, which lost a significant portion of its territory and grappled with political instability for years to come.