May 13, 1846: Congress declares war against Mexico

Today in Legal History

Congress approved funding and volunteers for the Mexican-American War on May 13, 1846, after the Mexican army killed several U.S. soldiers who were protecting territory that was claimed by both the U.S. and Mexico. President Polk hoped the war would coerce Mexico into resolving the Texas border disagreement. The war ended with a peace agreement in 1848, which cost Mexico nearly half of its territory in exchange for $15 million.

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