Mexican-American War and New Territory — Reading Comprehension

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that began in 1846. Many Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the country should stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The United States wanted land that belonged to Mexico, including present-day California and Texas.

In 1845, the United States added Texas as a state. Mexico did not agree with this. Tensions grew. In April 1846, fighting broke out between U.S. and Mexican soldiers near the Rio Grande. President James K. Polk told Congress, "Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil." Congress declared war on Mexico.

The war lasted almost two years. U.S. General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott led American troops in many battles. Mexican soldiers fought bravely to defend their land. By September 1847, U.S. forces captured Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

The war ended in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Mexico gave up a large area of land. The United States gained present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This new territory helped the United States grow larger and stronger.

The Mexican-American War changed the shape of the country. People from many backgrounds moved to the new lands. The war also caused challenges and disagreements that lasted many years.

Interesting Fact: The land gained from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo made up about one-third of the land in the continental United States today!

Who was president during the war?

When did the war begin?

What city did U.S. troops capture?

Why did tensions grow?

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo do?

How did Manifest Destiny affect the U.S.?

The war lasted almost two years.

What does 'territory' mean?