The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848 and was fought between the United States and Mexico over the disputed territory of Texas. Inspired by the concept of Manifest Destiny, U.S. President James Polk sought to expand U.S. territory and authorized military action after Mexico refused to sell California and New Mexico. Key battles included Palo Alto, the first major battle of the war. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, where Mexico ceded California, Utah, and parts of other western states to the U.S. Casualties totaled over 1,700 Americans killed and 25,000 estimated Mexican deaths.

1. Mexican/American War
1846-1848
by: Haley, Jenifer and Alison

2. Overview
In the years before the U.S- Mexican War, the United States and
Mexico were headed in two different directions.
The U.S. had new technology and were inspired by “Manifest
Destiny”
U.S. was looking for a new future of possibilities.
Mexico struggled to maintain their country

3. How It All Started
War between Mexico and United States started with the struggle
over who would control Texas
Texas was big land, rich with resources and possibilities
Texas was a large part of Mexico
Inspired by concept of “Manifest Destiny”

4. Notable Figures
General Stephen W. Kearny – Commander of US troops that
captured Santa Fe and secured California,General & President

5. Zachary Taylor
American military leader, Nickname- “Old Ruff and Ready”
Commander of US troops in northeastern Mexico. Later became
the 12th President of the United States.

6. Winfield Scott
Nickname- “Old Fuss and Feathers”, and “Grand Old Man of
the Army”
General Winfield Scott – Commander of the US army that
captured Mexico City.

7. James Polk
Eleventh President of the United States
Thought he could take all the territory from the mexicans for the
United States. To make the United States larger.

8. Leader of Mexico
Jose Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- was the leader of Mexico during the
Mexican American War.
Nickname is Napoleon of the West

9. Important Battles
Battle of Palo Alto- was the first major battle of the
war.
War was fought on May 8, 1846, just north of the
present day Brownsville,Texas.

10. Aftermath
War ended February 2,1848 with the signing of the Treaty
Guadalupe Hidalgo.
This treaty ceded to the United States the land that now
comprises the states of California, Utah, and Nevada, as well as
parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado. Mexico
also renounced all rights to Texas

11. Casualties
During the war 1,773 Americans were killed in action and
4,152 were wounded. Mexican casualty reports are incomplete,
but it estimated that approximately 25,000 were killed or
wounded between 1846-1848