During the Mexican-American War, which area did the U.S. seek to acquire from Mexico?

The U.S. sought to acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico during the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. This conflict was largely fueled by the U.S. belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. The war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including these two key regions.

California was coveted for its rich resources and potential for economic development, especially following the discovery of gold in 1848, which spurred rapid migration and settlement. New Mexico, similarly, was valuable due to its strategic location and resources. The acquisition of both areas was formalized in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war and greatly expanded U.S. territory. This helped solidify the U.S. as a continental power and played a vital role in shaping the future of the nation. The other choices, such as Oregon and Florida, were either already part of U.S. territory or acquired through different means and thus were not primary targets during this specific conflict.