The Mexican American War
The Mexican American War (1846-1848) was caused by the tension between the US and Mexico about the location of the Texas Border. President James K. Polk sent U.S. troops into disputed territory, and war broke out. Polk put the blame on Mexico. The war ended with an American victory, and the US gained territory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, meant Mexico had to provide land (Mexican Cession - ceded Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Utah), and the people on that land became Mexican-Americans (US Citizens). In return, the US paid Mexico $15 million dollars. After the war, Mexican-Americans faced mistreatment and racial discrimination. Ex: in the 1880s, Las Gorras Blancas (the "White Caps") fought back against land taken by white Americans in New Mexico.