---
title: Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20645/map-of-the-us-mexican-war-of-1846-1848/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-01-09
---

# Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20645.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20645.png)

## Image Caption

The U.S.–Mexican [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) (1846–1848) marked a decisive moment in the territorial and political transformation of North America. The conflict was triggered by the U.S. annexation of Texas (1845) and a disputed southern boundary, claimed by the United States at the Río Grande and by Mexico at the Nueces River, under President [James K. Polk](https://www.worldhistory.org/James_K._Polk/) (in office 1845–1849). Rooted in expansionist ideology (Manifest Destiny), demographic pressure, and unresolved legacies of Mexican independence, the war rapidly escalated into a full-scale interstate conflict between two unequal powers. 
 
Military operations unfolded across multiple theaters, revealing the growing reach of U.S. land and naval forces. Campaigns along the northern frontier secured Texas, while western expeditions and naval control dismantled Mexican authority in California and New Mexico. A final amphibious landing on the Gulf Coast opened the route to central Mexico, culminating in the occupation of Mexico [City](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) (1847) and forcing negotiations. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (2 February 1848) ended the war, confirming the Río Grande as the Texas border and transferring roughly 55% of Mexico’s pre-war territory to the United States. The conflict reshaped continental boundaries, intensified debates over slavery’s expansion, and left a lasting legacy of political instability and resentment in U.S.–Mexican relations.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, January 09). Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20645/map-of-the-us-mexican-war-of-1846-1848/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 09, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20645/map-of-the-us-mexican-war-of-1846-1848/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Jan 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20645/map-of-the-us-mexican-war-of-1846-1848/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 09 January 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.