Mexican-American War: Causes and Effects

One Cause of the Mexican-American War

After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico considered Texas as part of its territory. However, the United States annexed Texas in 1845, which Mexico refused to recognize. This led to tensions between the two nations as Mexico did not accept the claimed border between them.

The disputed boundary between the United States and Texas on the Nueces Strip was a key factor that sparked the Mexican-American War. Mexico viewed the annexation of Texas as an act of aggression by the United States, further straining relations and setting the stage for conflict.

One Effect of the Mexican-American War

As a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed in 1848, Mexico ceded vast territories to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. This loss of territory reshaped the map of North America and had long-lasting consequences for both countries.

What was one cause of the Mexican-American War and what was one effect of the Mexican-American War?

In short, the Mexican-American War was caused because of the United States' repeated encroachment on Mexican territory, such as its annexation of Texas, which Mexico refused to recognize as being independent. Therefore, Mexico also refused to recognize the claimed border between the two nations. The effect was Mexico lost a lot of land to the US.