Mexican War (jan 1, 1846 – jan 1, 1848)

Description:

Polk sent representative to Mexican gov. to buy California and parts of New Mexico and to settle disputed territory claims in Texas. Mexican government refused to meet with the representative, and so Polk prepared for military conflict by having US Army (led by Zachary Taylor) move into the region. Fighting broke out, and Polk declared (without proof) that Mexicans had "shed blood upon American soil," leading to a declaration of war.

Ended with Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which reaffirmed annexation of Texas and ceded CA, NM, AZ, NV, UT to US in exchange for 15 million dollars (Mexican Cession).

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