Title: Westward Expansion (1807-1912): The Mexican War and Political Aftermath | SparkNotes
Headings: Westward Expansion (1807-1912)
Westward Expansion (1807-1912)
The Mexican War and Political Aftermath
Summary
Commentary

Content: they were too weak even to negotiate concessions. Both sides awaited the outbreak of violence. On May 9, 1846, President James K. Polk received word that Mexican forces had ambushed two of General Zachary Taylor's companies along the Rio Grande. He immediately demanded that Congress appropriate funds for war, proclaiming that the Mexicans had initiated a full- blown conflict. Somewhat reluctantly, Congress agreed, and the Mexican War began. The Mexican War lasted one and a half years, and ranged all throughout Texas, New Mexico, and California, and even into the Mexican interior. Mexican resistance was stubborn and benefited from greater manpower than US forces, but ultimately proved futile. The US won an easy victory due to superior artillery and leadership. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed February 2, 1848, ceded Texas, New Mexico, and California to the US, completing American claims to land all the way across the continent. In return, the US assumed all monetary claims of US citizens against the Mexican government and paid Mexico $15 million.