The Impact of the Mexican-American War

Result of the Mexican-American War

A huge block of new territory was acquired—approximately 525,000 square miles. The Mexican War and the tide of expansionism it unleashed underlined the political control exercised by the South in American political affairs. The addition of new lands touched off new and bitter debates on the slavery issue, as many had predicted. The Americans suffered heavy losses; the nearly 13,000 dead included only about 1,700 in combat—the rest succumbed to rampant disease. The war was a proving ground for young military officers (Jackson, Lee, Meade, Sherman, for example) who would soon put their skills to work in the American Civil War.

What were some of the results of the Mexican-American War?

Some of the results of the Mexican-American War included the acquisition of a large amount of new territory, sparking political debates, showcasing military leadership, and contributing to the escalation of the slavery issue.

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