The Mexican-American War, spanning from 1846 to 1848, was a significant armed conflict between the United States and Mexico over territorial disputes and differing interpretations of the border between Texas and Mexico. Tensions had been escalating for years, and the war officially began on April 25, 1846, when a detachment of American troops clashed with Mexican forces near the Rio Grande. This event marked the start of a series of hostilities that would have far-reaching consequences.

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A pivotal moment in the war was the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847, where American forces under the command of General Zachary Taylor faced a larger Mexican army. The American victory bolstered their position and played a role in the eventual negotiations that followed. General Winfield Scott, who devised an amphibious assault on the port city of Veracruz, led another significant campaign. This maneuver allowed American forces to secure a foothold on Mexican soil and advance toward Mexico City.

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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, officially ended the conflict. Negotiated by Nicholas Trist on behalf of the United States and Mexican representatives, the treaty ceded a significant portion of Mexican territory to the U.S., including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of other states. The war had profound effects on both nations, with Mexico losing a substantial amount of territory and experiencing internal instability, while the United States gained vast lands that would shape its expansion westward and intensify debates over issues such as slavery in the newly acquired regions.

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The Mexican-American War, also known as the Mexican War or the U.S.-Mexican War, took place from 1846 to 1848 between the United States and Mexico. Here is a list of some significant battles and events that occurred during the Mexican-American War:

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1846

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Battle of Palo Alto (May 8, 1846)

The first major battle of the war, fought near present-day Brownsville, Texas, between American forces commanded by General Zachary Taylor and Mexican forces.

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Battle of Resaca de la Palma (May 9, 1846)

Fought on the following day after Palo Alto, this battle also occurred near Brownsville, Texas, and resulted in a decisive American victory.

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Capture of Monterrey (September 20-24, 1846)

American forces under General Taylor captured the city of Monterrey in northern Mexico after several days of intense urban combat.

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1847

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Battle of Buena Vista (February 22-23, 1847)

Another engagement led by General Taylor, this battle took place in northern Mexico and saw American forces successfully repel a larger Mexican force.

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Siege of Veracruz (March 9-29, 1847)

American forces under General Winfield Scott besieged and captured the port city of Veracruz, marking a pivotal step in the American advance into Mexico.

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Battle of Cerro Gordo (April 18, 1847)

American forces led by General Scott defeated Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna in a battle near Veracruz.

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Battle of Contreras and Battle of Churubusco (August 19-20, 1847)

A series of battles around Mexico City, where American forces, led by General Scott, engaged Mexican forces and gained control over key positions.

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Battle of Molino del Rey (September 8, 1847)

Fought near Mexico City, this battle was part of the campaign to capture the city, and it resulted in a costly American victory.

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Battle of Chapultepec (September 12-13, 1847)

American forces captured Chapultepec Castle, a key position overlooking Mexico City, which paved the way for the capture of the city itself.

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Capture of Mexico City (September 14, 1847)

Following the series of battles and engagements, General Scott's forces entered and occupied Mexico City, effectively ending the war.