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Long Term Effects Of The Mexican American War

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The Mexican-American War was a watershed moment in U.S. history that continues to have far-reaching effects. The United States' belief in Manifest Destiny led to this conflict being waged so that the nation's borders and the fate of its people could be established. Following a string of wins in 1846 and 1848, the Mexican government signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, relinquishing significant swaths of territory to the United States, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The Mexican-American War had far-reaching impacts on the United States, and this article will examine those effects and their origins.
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The belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory westward from …show more content…

General Zachary Taylor and Commodore David Conner led the American forces to victory. Monterrey and Veracruz were the only two main cities in northern Mexico that the Americans took by 1847. The Mexican army could not keep up with the Americans and was quickly defeated. After several setbacks, the Mexican government signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Due to this pact, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas all received significant land transfers. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo profoundly affected the United States and Mexico. The conquest of these areas paved the way for Manifest Destiny and the growth of the United States. It was a massive win for the South since it legalized slavery in the newly gained areas. Mexico may have won the war but lost much territory in the process. The conflict severely damaged both the economy and the government of …show more content…

Manifest Destiny, the concept that the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was a major motivating factor in the conflict. In 1846, the United States invaded Mexico by crossing the Rio Grande. Four years later, in 1848, the war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Due to this pact, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas all received significant land transfers. As a watershed moment in American history, the conflict had far-reaching effects that are still being felt today. Slavery was introduced to the newly gained areas, helping to further the national expansion and Manifest Destiny ideology. The conflict was a tremendous embarrassment for Mexico and left a profound scar on the relationship between the United States and Mexico, significantly influencing both nations. As a watershed moment in American history, the conflict continues to have repercussions even

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