Mid-May marks two key anniversaries in the conflict between the United States and Mexico that set in motion the Civil War—and led to California, Texas, and eight other states joining the Union.
On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war on Mexico after a request from President James K. Polk. Then, on May 26, 1848, both sides ratified the peace treaty that ended the conflict.
The conflict centered on the independent Republic of Texas, which opted to join the United States after establishing its independence from Mexico a decade earlier.
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