Battle of Palo Alto fought in south Texas
Labels: Battle of, Rio GrandeU.S. and Mexican forces fought the war’s first major battle on disputed ground near the Rio Grande, helping set the initial military momentum in the border region.
Mexican–American War and the Mexican Cession (1846–1848)
Battle of Resaca de la Palma follows
Labels: Resaca de, Rio GrandeFought the day after Palo Alto, the battle forced Mexican troops to retreat across the Rio Grande and helped secure the lower Rio Grande Valley for the U.S. Army early in the war.
U.S. Congress declares war on Mexico
Labels: U S, Declaration ofAfter clashes along the disputed Texas–Mexico border, Congress enacted a formal declaration of war, launching large-scale hostilities between the United States and Mexico.
Bear Flag Revolt begins at Sonoma
Labels: Bear Flag, SonomaAmerican settlers seized Sonoma and declared the short-lived “California Republic,” an uprising that intersected with U.S. military operations and the broader U.S. seizure of Alta California.
Wilmot Proviso introduced in the House
Labels: Wilmot Proviso, David WilmotRepresentative David Wilmot proposed banning slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, a measure that failed but intensified sectional conflict tied directly to potential gains from the war.
Battle of Monterrey ends with capitulation
Labels: Battle of, Northern campaignA major northern campaign battle, Monterrey concluded with a negotiated surrender and armistice, shaping U.S. strategy by shifting emphasis toward an invasion of central Mexico.
Treaty of Cahuenga ends fighting in California
Labels: Treaty of, John CSigned by Andrés Pico and John C. Frémont, the agreement established a ceasefire that effectively ended organized fighting of the war in Alta California.
Taos Revolt begins in occupied New Mexico
Labels: Taos Revolt, New MexicoHispano and Pueblo allies rose against U.S. occupation in northern New Mexico, highlighting the contested nature of U.S. control in areas later included in the Mexican Cession.
Battle of Buena Vista fought in northern Mexico
Labels: Battle of, Zachary TaylorA major engagement between Zachary Taylor’s army and Santa Anna’s larger force, the two-day battle helped blunt Mexican efforts in the north as the U.S. prepared a central campaign.
Siege of Veracruz begins with amphibious landing
Labels: Siege of, Amphibious landingU.S. forces landed and besieged Veracruz, securing a critical Gulf port and opening the route inland for Winfield Scott’s advance toward Mexico City.
U.S. forces enter and occupy Mexico City
Labels: Occupation of, Winfield ScottWinfield Scott’s army entered Mexico City, a decisive blow that accelerated peace negotiations and made a territorial settlement far more likely.
Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill
Labels: Sutter's Mill, Gold discoveryJames W. Marshall’s discovery near Coloma occurred just before the treaty was finalized and helped drive rapid migration and economic transformation in the newly acquired U.S. West.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed
Labels: Treaty of, MexicoU.S. and Mexican negotiators signed the treaty ending the war; Mexico recognized the Rio Grande boundary for Texas and ceded vast territories that became the core of the Mexican Cession.
U.S. Senate ratifies treaty with amendments
Labels: U S, Treaty ratificationThe Senate advised and consented to ratification of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (with amendments), a key constitutional step toward making the Mexican Cession official.
Ratifications exchanged at Querétaro
Labels: Ratifications Exchange, Quer taroThe United States and Mexico exchanged ratifications, completing the mutual approval required for the treaty to take effect in international law.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo proclaimed
Labels: Treaty Proclamation, Mexican CessionThe treaty was formally proclaimed, finalizing the war’s settlement and the transfer of the Mexican Cession into U.S. sovereignty.
Timeline
18461846184718471848
Mexican–American War and the Mexican Cession (1846–1848)
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