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President Polk orders U.S. troops into disputed territory.
Determined to acquire the land, he sent American troops to Texas in January of 1846 to provoke the Mexicans into war. -
Mexican and U.S. troops clash near Rio Grande
On April 25, 1846, Mexican troops overwhelmed a U.S. scout party on the north bank of the river at Rancho de Carricitos. -
Congress declares war on Mexico.
On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly voted in favor of President James K. Polk's request to declare war on Mexico in a dispute over Texas. -
General Taylor leads troops across the Rio Grande
On May 18, 1846, Taylor's troops crossed the Rio Grande and entered the city of Matamoros. The occupation took place without a fight. -
Americans take control of California in the Bear Flag revolt.
The Bear Flag Revolt was a revolt by American settlers in Mexico-controlled California on June 14, 1846. -
General Kearny takes Santa Fe.
The Americans entered Santa Fe on August 18, 1846 -
General Taylor wins control of northern Mexico at Buena Vista.
United States General Zachary Taylor was victorious over Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the Battle of Buena Vista on February 23, 1847. -
General Scott invades Mexico near Veracruz.
On March 9, 1847, U.S. forces under General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico three miles south of Vera Cruz. -
Mexico City surrenders to Scott.
On September 14, 1847, the Americans entered the Mexican capital, and raised the American flag over Mexico City. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war and gives the Mexican Cession to the United States.
This treaty signed in February 2, 1848, with Mexico ceding 55% of its territory, including the present-day states California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming