# data[].attributes.body
This is a map of the United states from 1840-1845. It a very important map to look at due to the fact it is pre Mexican American war, so we can truly understand the affect the war had on the country as a whole. We can see that Mexico had a large amount of land in comparison to the amount they currently had. Not only this but there wasn't much unity in the lands as some where distinct territories or unorganized, or simply in conflict as seen by Texas and Mexico. After the war we see a huge increase in land mass for the United States as almost all of Mexico's land in the region eventually was taken over from various military conflicts. With the ideas of Manifest Destiny and the right to expand, many Americans saw this as something that was natural and beneficial for the Country and the people of the land. Yet there of course was opposition as many saw the war as useless and a waste of life. But overall this conflict had a huge influence for the United States, and looking at maps such as these make that idea very apparent.

# data[].attributes.body
After a large array of victories for the United States,  this treaty was signed on February 2, 1848, and ended the war between the United States and Mexico. After the storming of the capitol of Mexico, Mexico had to surrender and enter negotiations after the war. The conferences were negotiated by Nicholas Trist, and in this treaty  an additional 525,000 square miles to United States territory were added. This gave states such as Arizona, California New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. Overall territorial wise, this war was a success for the US as they were able to expand their western and southern borders, still staying true to Manifest Destiny. This was a bloody and gruesome battle, yet it also has changed Mexico and America into the countries they are today. This is why it is so important to learn about this war and the ripples it has made throughout history.

# data[].attributes.body
Invaliding and capturing Mexico City was a goal that General Winfield Scott had set since the beginning of the War. Eventually due to the US' various victories over the Mexicans, they were finally at the edge of Mexico City and were preparing for an invasion. But first they had to take down Chapultepec Castle, in which they were successful, as is seen in the imagery here. This sent the Mexican soldiers fleeing into the City. After this victory over the castle, they were ready to march to the gates and take control of the City. Once at the various gates, they were met with some resistance from Mexican cavalry and soldiers protecting them. But yet again, their defenses broke and the United States soldiers were able to make it past the gates. When moving into the heart of the city, they were surprised to find it quite empty and undefended, which is due to the fact that the soldiers had fled during the night. Therefore the United States had finally won their last battle with the surrender of the Mexican army.

# data[].attributes.body
In this depiction here we can see various soldiers getting ready for a conflict in which marked the official start of the Military campaign of Mexico vs the United States. On March 28th 1846 General Taylor ordered the building of an earthen fort in which held 500 men and four 18 pounders. Similarly Mexican General Francisco Mejia's 2,000 men also erected similar fortifications downstream in which they prepared the siege Fort Texas. On may the artillery started, but they failed to do much against the fort due to the lacking amount of fire power needed to break the defenses. Overall there was minimal deaths as there was only 2 reported deaths for the United states and 2 deaths for the Mexicans. This was a fight of just cannons and artillery back and forth, and was one of the first important conflicts in the war.

# data[].attributes.body
Here we see a recruitment flier for the people of New England who wanted to fight against the Mexicans in this War. The flier was posted in December 1846 and promised high pay and many acres of land for any volunteer soldiers. We can see the importance of people being sent to war as the military effort prioritized to get as many soldiers as possible for this war. We can see that in this flier, many saw this war as something that could've been highly beneficial and good for America, as well as something that could reawaken the fighting spirit and true potential of any Yankee. The overall importance of this is the fact that we need to realize how significant this battle truly was for America. Not only did it cost many lives, but it also changed and literally reshaped our country.

# data[].attributes.body
During this time period, there was a wide variety of weaponry that was being used on both sides of the conflict. It is truly gruesome to imagine the combination of musket balls that ripped through skin and caused disease as well as long swords carried by heavy Calvary used on foot soldiers. We can see here two Mexican Swords dated around the late 1840s that were used during the Mexican American War. Swords or sabers like these were often used by heavy Calvary, or troops that were mounted on horseback. With the added speed and agility of a horse paired with a long cutting weapon such as this, many soldiers whom would retreat or who couldn't move away in time would have to feel the steel. We know that sword wounds would leave many disabled or susceptible to disease, as would a dirty musket ball entering your body. These weapons truly outline the severity and cruelty in this conflict over land and territory.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mexican American War was a conflict that arose from 1846 through 1848. This War began due to the territorial disputes between Texas and Mexico. Though the Mexicans were the first to use violence during this conflict, tensions were rising due to the American ideal to the right of westward expansion, or Manifest Destiny. The impact of the war is one that had massive impacts on human lives, and territories for both Mexico and the States of America. Sadly, this major part of US history is scarcely talked about, and is often overlooked in schools. In order to fully understand the history of the US and all 50 states we have to study the fights and disputes that our Country has fought and been through in order to prevail to where we are today.

# data[].attributes.body
In this piece of artwork we can see the works of James Cameron in depicting a battle during the Mexican American War; The Battle Of Cerro Gordo fought in April 18, 1847. Under Commander Winfield Scott, American forces were putting an effort in order to take a strategic Mexican defensive point that would give them a good advantage in reaching Mexico City. Due to the reinforcements set up at Cerro Gordo, a battle was ensured to happen in order for victory. David Twiggs a commanding officer took his men to overtake Atalaya Hill, which would secure them a victory. The fighting that ensued is depicted in this beautiful artwork. We can see the US mounting a charge with foot soldiers into the defending Mexican troops armed with cannons and muskets. In the end, the American forces overwhelmed the Mexican with attacks from the front and rear. This was a decisive victory for the Americans with 62 deaths on their side, and over a thousand for the Mexicans.