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On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war upon
Mexico.
Although the Mexican-American War lasted only 18 month, its
consequences were profound. Mexico lost nearly one-half its
territory; the United States acquired most or all the future
states of Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah,
and Colorado.
During
the Mexican-American War, the United States military
made its first successful offensive on foreign soil, capturing
Mexico City - the enemy capital. Some historians have described
this offensive as America's first step toward empire.
More
ominously, the Mexican-American War raised the explosive issue
of whether slavery should be permitted in the newly acquired
territories. Less than two decades later, this issue would help
to speed America toward its greatest tragedy: The
Civil War.
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