- Connect
- In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. For several decades the Mexican government neglected its far northern territories, which included New Mexico, Texas, and the California region. U.S. influence in these areas grew steadily as Americans settled in the territories
- Investigate
- With the United States expanding west and Mexico controlling most of the southwest, conflict seemed inevitable. Of all the Mexican provinces, the fertile lands of Texas lay closest to the United States. In 1835, Texans rebelled against Mexican rule and a year later declared their independence. After Congress voted to annex Texas, disputes over the Texas boundary led the U.S. into war with Mexico.