Department of History

Disc One-In the 1820s, Mexico is suffering in the artermath of a devsatating war for independence from Spain. To the north, the United States is expanding its territory at a pace that alarms the Mexican government. Tensions mount when TExas breaks free from Mexico in 1836 and is later annexed by the United States. In 1846, US and Mexican troops clash over a border dispute in Texas, and war explodes. President Polk orders the US Army and Navy to conquer the Mexican territories of New Mexico and California. When Mexico refuses to surrender, Polk turns his attention to Mexico City.Disc Two-Former Mexican President General Antonia Lopez de Santa Anna returns from exile to unite Mexico against the US invasion. President Polk decides to open a second front against Mexico and strike deep inot Mexico's hearland. Anata Anna is unable to turn back the invaders and a dramatic battle for Mexico City ends when the camptal finally surrenders on September 14, 1847. A few months later, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ceding all of the states of the present American Southwest to the United States.