Final answer:
The Mexican-American War, fought from 1846 to 1848, culminated in the U.S. annexing vast territories from Mexico and led to increased military reputation, significant human and monetary costs, rising regional distrust, and intensified debates over slavery and Native American relations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Points of the Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848 and was sparked by tensions over the annexation of Texas and a border dispute between the Rio Grande and Nueces River. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in which Mexico ceded large territories to the U.S., including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, and part of Wyoming. The conflict greatly influenced the United States Army and Navy prestige but also resulted in significant costs with approximately 13,000 American deaths, mostly from disease, and a monetary cost of about $100 million. The war exacerbated 'Yankeephobia' in Latin America and intensified domestic debates over slavery in the United States, leading to the introduction of the Wilmot Proviso, which sought to ban slavery in the newly acquired territories. The expansionist movement incited resentment both within the U.S. and abroad, leading to hostilities with Native Americans and political instability in the new territories.