The Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, was primarily caused by a dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico. Here are the steps leading to the war:

1. Texas Independence: In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. The Mexican government, however, did not recognize this independence.

2. Annexation of Texas: In 1845, the United States annexed Texas, making it a U.S. state. This angered Mexico, which still considered Texas to be part of its territory.

3. Border Dispute: The U.S. and Mexico disagreed on the border of Texas. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico insisted it was the Nueces River.

4. Polk's Expansionist Policy: U.S. President James K. Polk, an advocate of Manifest Destiny, wanted to expand U.S. territory to the Pacific Ocean. This included territories that were part of Mexico.

5. Thornton Affair: In April 1846, a skirmish known as the Thornton Affair occurred between Mexican and American troops along the disputed border, leading to the death of several American soldiers.

6. Declaration of War: Following the Thornton Affair, President Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico, which they did on May 13, 1846.

So, the main cause of the Mexican War was the annexation of Texas by the U.S. and the subsequent border dispute. This was exacerbated by President Polk's expansionist policy and the Thornton Affair.

Question

The Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, was primarily caused by a dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico. Here are the steps leading to the war:

1. Texas Independence: In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. The Mexican government, however, did not recognize this independence.

2. Annexation of Texas: In 1845, the United States annexed Texas, making it a U.S. state. This angered Mexico, which still considered Texas to be part of its territory.

3. Border Dispute: The U.S. and Mexico disagreed on the border of Texas. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico insisted it was the Nueces River.

4. Polk's Expansionist Policy: U.S. President James K. Polk, an advocate of Manifest Destiny, wanted to expand U.S. territory to the Pacific Ocean. This included territories that were part of Mexico.

5. Thornton Affair: In April 1846, a skirmish known as the Thornton Affair occurred between Mexican and American troops along the disputed border, leading to the death of several American soldiers.

6. Declaration of War: Following the Thornton Affair, President Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico, which they did on May 13, 1846.

So, the main cause of the Mexican War was the annexation of Texas by the U.S. and the subsequent border dispute. This was exacerbated by President Polk's expansionist policy and the Thornton Affair.

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