Final answer:
Major military campaigns in the Mexican American War were led by Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. Taylor captured the city of Monterrey and was named commander of all U.S. forces, while Scott successfully took Mexico City. The war's success came at a high cost and exacerbated domestic tensions over slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Leaders and Campaigns in the Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War was marked by several major military campaigns led by different generals. General Zachary Taylor, known as "Old Rough and Ready," successfully captured the Mexican city of Monterrey and became a national hero, leading to his appointment as commander of all U.S. forces.
General Winfield Scott was assigned to capture Mexico City, a goal he achieved by first capturing Veracruz and then proceeding to the capital amidst political turmoil in Mexico. His military campaign culminated in the fall of Mexico City on September 14, 1847. John C. Frémont had a limited role with some success in California, and General Stephen W. Kearny faced resistance while attempting to take control of New Mexico.
The war resulted in significant military experience for the United States but also came with high costs, including 13,000 American deaths, mainly due to disease, and a monetary cost of about $100,000,000. The conflict further aggravated tensions related to slavery within the United States. Notably, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, and General Zachary Taylor, a hero from the war, was subsequently elected president.