How did the U.S. gain control of California and New Mexico?

- Mexican-American War (1846-1848):

- The U.S. and Mexico went to war over the annexation of Texas and disputes over the border between the two countries.

- The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming from Mexico.

New Mexico

- Mexican-American War (1846-1848):

- New Mexico was part of the territory acquired by the U.S. as a result of the Mexican-American War.

- The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established the U.S.-Mexico border along the Rio Grande, with New Mexico falling under U.S. control.

- Gadsden Purchase (1853):

- The U.S. purchased additional land from Mexico, including parts of present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico, for the construction of a transcontinental railroad.