Was that the one where the Americans started moving into Mexico because they were encouraged to and then america used it as an excuse to attack Mexico? Now Mexico turned into Texas, Arizona, California etc and the irony is that anyone that looks native to those areas are illegal immigrants even though they were there before "the new world was discovered. James Polk?

[–] Someonelol@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Mexico encouraged Americans to move into Texas as means to populate and develop the area so long as the settlers agreed to assimilate to Mexican culture. Unfortunately the settlers weren't loyal to the Mexican government and started a revolt for independence when Mexico outlawed slavery in 1829. Thanks to the fumblings of general Santa Anna, the rebels captured him and had him sign the Treaties of Velasco in 1836 essentially conceding all land above the Rio Grande to the rebels in exchange for his life.

This of course infuriated the central Mexican government and they refused to ratify the treaties. Due to internal instability though the central government was unable to do much about it and had no choice but to leave the matter alone. It was only after Texas was admitted to the US as a slave state did president James K Polk start a fight with Mexico over the territory that eventually led to Mexico's defeat and loss of all other land that make up the states you're referring to.

Even though all Mexican citizens who ended up in the new American borders were invited to stay as American citizens, some were systematically deported over the years well into the early 20th century.