During the mid-19th century, the relationship between the United States and Mexico was increasingly strained, culminating in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). This conflict was fueled by various factors, including territorial expansion and the belief in Manifest Destiny. As tensions escalated, the U.S. military engaged in several key battles, and the resulting Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo significantly altered the boundary of the United States.
Which of the following statements best explains a major cause of the Mexican-American War?