The U.S. Mexican War began in 1846 due to a dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico and American desires to expand its territory across North America under the belief of manifest destiny. General Zachary Taylor led U.S. troops to victory at the first major battle of Palo Alto. Meanwhile, General Santa Anna commanded Mexican forces attempting to stop the U.S. invasion. After several more American victories, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the war and ceding large territories to the U.S. including California and New Mexico.