the u.s. declares war on Mexico

Mexico allows American settlers into Texas
Texas declares independence
the us annexes Texas

1 answer

The sequence of events you've provided relates to the historical context leading up to the Mexican-American War and the annexation of Texas. To give you a clearer picture, here is a brief overview of each event and how they are connected:

  1. Mexico Allows American Settlers into Texas (1820s-1830s): In the 1820s, Mexico encouraged American (primarily Anglo-American) settlers to move to Texas, which was then part of Mexico, in order to promote development and secure the territory. This led to a significant influx of settlers, who established several colonies.

  2. Texas Declares Independence (March 2, 1836): Tensions grew between the American settlers and the Mexican government over issues such as governance, slavery, and cultural differences. In 1836, after a series of skirmishes, Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution. The famous Battle of the Alamo became a symbolic event during this struggle.

  3. The U.S. Annexes Texas (December 29, 1845): After gaining independence, Texas existed as a sovereign republic for nearly a decade. In 1845, the United States Congress voted to annex Texas, making it the 28th state of the U.S. This action was contentious and contributed to rising tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.

  4. The U.S. Declares War on Mexico (April 25, 1846): Following the annexation of Texas, the U.S. and Mexico had disputes over the border; the U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River. These tensions escalated, and after a skirmish between U.S. troops and Mexican forces, President James K. Polk declared war on Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

These events collectively highlight the complex historical relationship between the United States and Mexico during the 19th century, marked by territorial expansion, conflict, and significant changes in national boundaries.