The Mexican-American War: Causes, Course, and Consequences

The Mexican-American War, fought from 1846 to 1848, was a conflict between the United States and Mexico primarily over the annexation of Texas and the desire for U.S. territorial expansion. It resulted in a decisive American victory, leading to Mexico ceding vast territories that now form much of the American Southwest. The war significantly reshaped the North American continent and intensified the debate over slavery in the United States.