In the context of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), a key issue that escalated tensions between the United States and Mexico was the annexation of Texas. Many in the U.S. believed that the annexation was a fulfillment of America's Manifest Destiny, while Mexico viewed it as a violation of their sovereignty. As U.S. troops moved into contested territories, President James K. Polk claimed that Mexican forces had attacked American soldiers on U.S. soil, which prompted Congress to declare war. Which of the following statements most accurately reflects a significant outcome of this conflict?