USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -It stemmed from the annexation of the Republic of Texas by the U.S. in 1845 and from a dispute over whether Texas ended at the Nueces River (the Mexican claim) or the Rio Grande (the U.S. claim).

Detailed explanation-2: -The immediate cause of the Mexican-American War was a disputed boundary between the United States and Texas on the Nueces Strip. Mexico did not recognize Texas as legitimate American territory and Texas admission to the United States antagonized Mexican officials and citizens.

Detailed explanation-3: -Although the Mexican War had been won, the conflict over what to do with the vast amounts of territory gained from the war sparked further controversy in the U.S. The question over whether slavery would spread to these new territories would drive North and South even further apart.

Detailed explanation-4: -On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war on Mexico after a request from President James K. Polk. Then, on May 26, 1848, both sides ratified the peace treaty that ended the conflict.

Detailed explanation-5: -Many Whigs opposed the president’s actions, believing that he had led the nation into an unnecessary war in a “land grab” from Mexico. They labeled the conflict “Mr. Polk’s War, ” arguing that the president had manipulated Congress to declare war and to create public support for a war of conquest.