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Mexican-American War Facts & Worksheets

The Mexican-American War also known as the Invasion of Mexico was a result of territorial dispute between the United States and Mexico. It lasted for two years from 1846 until 1848, after both parties agreed to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

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The Mexican-American War also known as the Invasion of Mexico was a result of a territorial dispute between the United States and Mexico. It lasted for two years from 1846 until 1848, after both parties agreed to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

See the fact file below for more information on The Mexican-American War or alternatively, you can download our 23-page Mexican-American War worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Historical Background and Causes of The Mexican-American War

  • In 1821, Mexico gained independence from the Kingdom of Spain through the Treaty of Cordoba. Three years later, after trying monarchy as a form of government they established a republic. On the other hand, Native Americans started to raid sparsely settled areas. As a result, Texas, a Mexican province was populated after sponsored migration.
  • In 1836, Texans revolted against Mexican president and dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna which late created an unrecognized Texan republic.
  • By 1845, the isolated Texan government agreed to an offer of annexation by the U.S Congress. Initially, Texas was to be admitted to the Union as the 28th state but Mexico protested.
  • Newly elected U.S President James K. Polk believed in the ideology of “manifest destiny.” It was a conviction that North Americans were divinely ordained to conquer the continent up to the Pacific Ocean.
  • As part of westward expansion, President Polk eyed the territories of Texas, Oregon, California, and New Mexico to be annexed. When his offer to purchase was rejected, Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to install troops between Rio Grande and Nueces River.

Events and Results of War

  • On April 25, 1846, Mexican cavalry attacked General Taylor’s troops stationed at the fort along Rio Grande. On the following week, a series of battles were fought in Palo Alto, Fort of Texas, and Resaca de la Palma. As a result on May 13, 1846, the Congress in proposition of President Polk declared war against Mexico.
  • General Taylor was victorious in maintaining the line of the Rio Grande. By September of the same year, Taylor’s campaign crossed the Rio Grande and faced defeats against larger Mexican army. Taylor’s last combat took place at the Battle of Buena Vista on February 22-23, 1847.
  • Mexicans living in northern Rio Grande were defeated by Col. Stephen Kearny and Commodore Robert Stockton. In addition, U.S troops led by General Winfield Scott took over the city of Veracruz. On September 14, 1847, he successfully invaded Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle. It was believed that during the siege, Mexican military cadets called niños heroes committed suicide instead of surrender.
  • After the victories of General Scott, minor battles continued but the war had been won by the United States. Santa Anna resigned followed by the informal Treaty of Cahuenga which ended the war in Alta California on January 13, 1848.
  • On February 2, 1848, Mexico officially conceded territories to the United States after sealing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It was then ratified by the U.S Congress on March 10th and on May 25th by the Mexican Congress.
  • They were over 29 battles fought during the Mexican-American War including the battles of Palo Alto, Canoncito, Santa Fe, Monterrey, Santa Clara, Rio San Gabriel, Santa Clara, La Mesa, Embudo Pass, Buena Vista, Sacramento, Veracruz, and those won by the Mexicans in the siege of Los Angeles, Chino, Dominguez Rancho, and San Pasqual.
  • Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico recognized the following: U.S annexation of Texas, and the selling of territories north of Rio Grande including California for $15 million. The deal cost Mexico one-third of its territory.

Mexican-American War Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about The Mexican-American War across 23 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Mexican-American War worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Mexican-American War, also known as the Invasion of Mexico, which was a result of the territorial dispute between the United States and Mexico. It lasted for two years from 1846 until 1848, after both parties agreed to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

  • Mexican-American War Facts
  • Territorial History
  • Causes of War
  • Famous People
  • Texas Facts
  • Six Flags Over Texas
  • Mexican-American War Battles
  • American Wars
  • Effects of War
  • Mex-Am Figures
  • Divided By Border

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main causes of the Mexican-American War?

The Mexican-American War broke out because Mexico would not accept Texas’ independence. Texans wanted to become a state, and Americans wanted to expand westward.

What are the effects of the Mexican-American War?

The war had a big impact on both the United States and Mexico. Mexico lost a lot of people, had its economy ruined, and got smaller. The US, on the other hand, gained a lot of lands.

How did the Mexican-American War impact slavery?

The Mexican-American War reignited the issue of slavery extension, which had been mostly dormant since the Missouri Compromise but which continued to divide the North and South.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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