During the mid-19th century, tensions escalated between the United States and Mexico, leading to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846. The conflict arose from multiple underlying factors, including territorial disputes, the U.S. annexation of Texas, and American expansionist ideology known as Manifest Destiny. The war ultimately resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States. Understanding the motivations behind the war and its outcomes is essential to grasping this period of U.S. history.
Which of the following statements accurately describes a major outcome of the Mexican-American War?