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Mexican American War

  • Battle of Palo Alto

    Battle of Palo Alto
    A Mexican general named Mariano Artista leads troops to face the U.S. forces at Palo Alto crossroads. Artista is unsuccessful when he attempts to turn the U.S. flank and ends up losing 250-400 men.
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    The Capture of Monterrey

    General Zachary Taylor led American troops to Northern Mexico. Mexican General, Pedro de Amudia, was waiting in Monterrey in which they were prepared for an attack. In order to have a successful attrack, Taylor resorted to unconventional military strategies by dividing the troops that attacked from two sides. Amudia's troops eventually surrendered on September 24.
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    Battle of Buena Vista

    Moving south, General Taylor brings his troops to a region south of Saltillo. He stopped in this region because most of the troops were to be relocated to a different invasion with General Winfield Scott. Using their time of weakness, Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna led his army to attack the Americans in an attempt to regain Northern Mexico. The battle was inconclusive, both sides claiming a victory.
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    The Capture of Veracruz

    After opening a second front against Mexico, U.S. General Winfield Scott set a siege in Veracruz before marching into Mexico City. Scott laid a powerful attack on the city causing them to surrender 20 days later. This victory was vital in America's plan as it was able to help them in the capture of Mexico City.
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    Battle of Cerro Gordo

    General López de Santa Anna quickly retreated after Buena Vista. After marching with his soldiers to Cerro Gordo, he set a fair defensive tactic. Even though he was told that his left flank was weak, he ignorantly left it alone. Using this wimpish set-up as an opportunity, General Scott was able to dodge Santa Anna's raid and penetrate through his defense. Santa Anna was captured several times before backing away and moving to Mexico City.
  • Battle of Contreras

    Battle of Contreras
    The success of the American army under General Scott allowed them to advance closer to Mexico City. Though the defense around the city was fairly solid, Scott decided that an attack from the southwest would be best. A General of Scott, Persifor Smith, discovered that Mexican General Gabriel Valencia was exposed. Smith attacked the army successfully for another American victory.
  • Battle of Churubusco

    Battle of Churubusco
    The American Army transitioned to the city gate of Churubusco. The Mexican Amry was heavily defended, including the St. Patrick's Battalion- Irish Catholics that joined the Mexican army. The Americans came out as victors after the defense ran out of ammunition.
  • Battle of Molino del Rey

    Battle of Molino del Rey
    General Scott entrusted General William Worth in creating a tactic for taking Molino del Rey. Worth's strategy protected American soldiers and attacked the enemy from various sides. After giving a brave fight, the Mexican army was once again defeated.
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    Battle of Chapultepec

    Only a fortress on Chapultepec Hill stood in the Americans' way. Young soldiers from the Mexico Military Academy aided Mexico's defense. The fortress was bombarded with cannons and mortars before Scott ordered soldiers to scale the structure. Mexican cadets now known as Niños Héroes courageously fought but unfortunately the Americans demolished the fortress and made it to the city gates. Santa Anna abandoned the city and allowed Mexican authorities to negotiate with the Americans.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    Both governments came to an agreement with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.