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The official proposal of statehood for Texas is signed by President John Tyler
President John Tyler signs the proposal of statehood for Texas, but it does not pass through Congress. He is warned by Mexico that annexing Texas could lead to war, but Tyler is determined to make Texas part of the United States. -
The U.S. officially annexes Texas.
The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States. However, Mexico does not recognize the annexation. -
The Mexican-American War begins.
Led by General Anastacio Torrejon, 2,000 Mexican troops cross north of the Rio Grande River and ambush U.S. troops at Fort Texas. The Mexican-American war officially begins. -
The U.S. wins the Battle of Palo Alto.
U.S. troops defeat Mexico at the Battle of Palo Alto, the first official battle of the war. General Taylor declares victory when Mariano Arista's Mexican troops retreat. -
The U.S. wins the Battle of Resaca de la Palma.
The Battle of Resaca de la Palma begins when Mexican troops attack Fort Texas, which they believe is located in Mexican territory. Mexican troops are forced to retreated and suffer anywhere between 250 and 400 casualties. -
Congress officially declares war on Mexico.
President James Polk addresses Congress and says them that Mexico has invaded U.S. soil and that blood has been shed. Congress approves the declaration of war, but some Americans are against it and think that Polk is simply trying to take more land for the U.S. -
Stephen Kearny leads the U.S. army in the occupation of New Mexico.
General Stephen Kearny takes an army of about 2,500 men into Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are met with no resistance and easily take control of New Mexico. -
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The U.S. wins the Battle of Monterrey (September 20-24).
General Taylor captures the Mexican city of Monterrey. Taylor's troops first occupy the city of Matamoros and Camargo before heading south to Monterrey. It is a hard fought battle that results in a series of losses for both sides, but the U.S. eventually wins -
The U.S. and Mexico sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ends the Mexican-American War. The Rio Grande River is established as the U.S.-Mexican border. Under the treaty, Mexico recognizes the U.S. annexation of Texas and agrees to sell California, as well as all of its territory north of the Rio Grande. -
The U.S. wins the Battle of Buena Vista.
General Taylor and General Santa Anna face off near Buena Vista. General Taylor's troops are largely outnumbered but with the use of heavy artillery they are victorious. The Battle of Buena Vista is likely General Taylor's greatest victory of the war and helps him get elected as president of the United States in 1848. -
The U.S. wins the Battle of Mexico City.
...After a week of fighting, General Scott and his troops wear down a weary Mexican Army and seize Mexico City. The Battle of Mexico City marks the unofficial end of the Mexican-American War. -
The U.S. and Mexico sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ends the Mexican-American War. The Rio Grande River is established as the U.S.-Mexican border. Under the treaty, Mexico recognizes the U.S. annexation of Texas and agrees to sell California, as well as all of its territory north of the Rio Grande.