Who Won the Mexican-American War Which Was Fought Between 1846 and 1848?

The United States emerged victorious from the Mexican-American War, which was fought between 1846 and 1848. U.S. forces were consistently victorious throughout the conflict, leading to significant territorial gains for the United States.

Overview of the Conflict and Its Outcome

The Mexican-American War, also known as the U.S.-Mexican War, was a pivotal conflict that reshaped the North American continent. Lasting from 1846 to 1848, the war saw the United States decisively defeat Mexico.

The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. This treaty solidified the U.S. victory and outlined the terms of peace, which were overwhelmingly in favor of the United States.

Key Results and Territorial Acquisitions

A primary consequence of the U.S. victory was the massive territorial expansion of the United States. The war resulted in the United States' acquisition of more than 500,000 square miles (1,300,000 square km) of Mexican territory. This vast expanse of land, known as the Mexican Cession, extended westward from the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean, fundamentally altering the geography of both nations.

Key outcomes included:

• Recognition of the Rio Grande Boundary: Mexico recognized the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas.
• The Mexican Cession: This massive land transfer included territories that would later become all or parts of the modern-day U.S. states of:
  • California
  • Nevada
  • Utah
  • Arizona
  • New Mexico
  • Colorado
  • Wyoming
• Financial Compensation: In exchange for these vast territories, the United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million and assume $3.25 million in claims by U.S. citizens against Mexico.

War Summary

Here is a quick summary of the key aspects of the Mexican-American War:

The Mexican-American War remains a significant event in U.S. and Mexican history, directly shaping the contemporary borders and demographics of both countries. For more detailed information, you can explore resources like Britannica's article on the Mexican-American War.