Causes: Texan desire to join the US, US expansionism. Effects: Increased tensions with Mexico, led to the Mexican-American War.

Causes: Border dispute, annexation of Texas, US expansionism. Effects: Mexican Cession, intensified slavery debate, worsened US-Mexico relations.

Causes: End the Mexican-American War. Effects: US gained vast territories, US paid Mexico $15 million, guaranteed rights to Mexicans (often violated).

Causes: Fear of slavery expansion into new territories. Effects: Increased sectional tensions, failed to pass the Senate, foreshadowed future conflicts.

Causes: Belief in American superiority, desire for land and resources. Effects: Expansion into new territories, conflict with Native Americans and Mexico, intensified slavery debate.

Causes: Discovery of gold in California. Effects: Rapid population growth, economic boom, increased demand for statehood, intensified debate over slavery.

Causes: Desire to resolve the slavery issue in newly acquired territories. Effects: Temporary easing of tensions, but ultimately failed to address the underlying issues, leading to further conflict.

Causes: Desire to organize new territories, popular sovereignty. Effects: Violence in Kansas (Bleeding Kansas), further division over slavery, weakened the Democratic Party.

Causes: Cultural and political differences between Texan settlers and the Mexican government. Effects: Independence of Texas, increased tensions between the US and Mexico, eventual annexation of Texas.

Causes: Desire for a southern railroad route to California. Effects: Acquisition of additional territory from Mexico, further strained US-Mexico relations.

US President who was a pro-expansionist Democrat, eager to acquire Mexican territory.

Led the Texan army to victory at San Jacinto, securing Texas's independence.

A legendary figure who died defending the Alamo.

The U.S. diplomat who negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The Mexican general and president during the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War.

A U.S. general during the Mexican-American War who later became President of the United States.

A U.S. general who led the invasion of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.

A U.S. Congressman who proposed the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.

A U.S. general who led forces to capture Santa Fe and California during the Mexican-American War.

A U.S. diplomat sent to Mexico to negotiate the purchase of California and New Mexico before the Mexican-American War.

A 13-day siege where Texan defenders were defeated by Mexican forces; it became a symbol of Texan resistance.

The execution of over 400 Texan prisoners by Mexican forces, fueling Texan rage.

Sam Houston led the Texan army to a decisive victory, securing Texas's independence.

Texan settlers declared independence from Mexico, leading to battles like the Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto.

The treaty that officially ended the Mexican-American War in 1848.

A war fought between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, resulting in a US victory and significant territorial gains for the US.

The incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States in 1845, which Mexico viewed as an act of aggression.

A period of mass migration to California starting in 1848 after gold was discovered, leading to rapid population growth and economic changes.

A series of laws passed by the United States Congress in September 1850 that dealt with the issue of slavery and territorial expansion.

A law passed in 1854 that allowed residents of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether to allow slavery, leading to violence and political turmoil.