1.  John Jr and Yuēhàn was learning about the different wars that helped shape America.  They came across the Mexican American War and looked into it a bit more.  John Jr showed Yuēhàn how to look stuff up on the internet.
2.  John Jr discovered The Mexican–American War,, was an invasion of Mexico by the United States Army from 1846 to 1848. It followed the 1845 American annexation of Texas, which Mexico still considered its territory because it refused to recognize the Treaties of Velasco, signed by President Antonio López de Santa Anna after he was captured by the Texian Army during the 1836 Texas Revolution. The Republic of Texas was de facto an independent country, but most of its Anglo-American citizens who had moved from the United States to Texas after 1822 wanted to be annexed by the United States.
3.  John Jr started to explain to Yuēhàn the key battles of the Mexican American War.  Battle of Monterrey
The first major battle of the war, which took place in 1846. Mexican forces were able to repel the first few attacks by U.S. forces, but eventually surrendered. 
Battle of Buena Vista
A turning point in the war, as Santa Anna's decision to attack Taylor prevented him from reinforcing Vera Cruz. 
 Battle of Cerro Gordo
The First and Second Tennessee Infantry regiments distinguished themselves in this battle, which was the first of a series of American victories that led to the capture of Mexico City. 
 Battle of Chapultepec
A decisive battle in 1847, where troops led by Gen. Winfield Scott overwhelmed a group of cadets studying at the military academy in the castle. 
 Battle of Palo Alto
The first major engagement of the war, which took place on May 8, 1846. The American army was able to defeat the Mexican army, despite the Mexican army being much larger, due to their superior weapons and training. 
 

4.  John Jr and Yuēhàn  found out Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican War and annexed a large amount of territory to California. 
 

Mexican American War

John Jr sitting at a computer with Yuēhàn, an animal, next to him. Both are looking excitedly at the screen.

John Jr and Yuēhàn were curious about history. They loved learning about different wars that helped shape America. One day, they stumbled upon the Mexican American War. John Jr decided to show Yuēhàn how to look up information on the internet. They were excited to learn more!

Discovering History

John Jr sitting with a book open, explaining to Yuēhàn, who is attentively listening.

John Jr discovered that the Mexican–American War was an invasion of Mexico by the United States Army. It happened from 1846 to 1848. The war started after the American annexation of Texas in 1845. Mexico still considered Texas its territory. John Jr explained that this was because Mexico refused to recognize the Treaties of Velasco.

The Start of the War

John Jr holding a map of Texas, with Yuēhàn looking at it curiously.

John Jr told Yuēhàn that the Republic of Texas was like an independent country. Most people in Texas wanted to join the United States. They moved from the United States to Texas after 1822. This made the situation complicated. Yuēhàn listened carefully, fascinated by the story.

The Republic of Texas

John Jr pointing to a sketch of the Battle of Monterrey on a whiteboard, with Yuēhàn watching intently.

John Jr started to explain the key battles of the Mexican American War. The first major battle was the Battle of Monterrey in 1846. Mexican forces initially repelled U.S. attacks. But eventually, they surrendered. Yuēhàn found it very interesting.

Battle of Monterrey

John Jr holding a toy soldier, explaining the Battle of Buena Vista to Yuēhàn, who looks amazed.

Next, John Jr talked about the Battle of Buena Vista. This was a turning point in the war. Santa Anna decided to attack Taylor. This prevented him from reinforcing Vera Cruz. Yuēhàn was amazed at how decisions in battles could change everything.

Battle of Buena Vista

John Jr showing a picture of the Battle of Cerro Gordo to Yuēhàn, who looks impressed.

John Jr then explained the Battle of Cerro Gordo. The First and Second Tennessee Infantry regiments were heroes in this battle. It was the first of many American victories. These victories led to the capture of Mexico City. Yuēhàn was impressed by the bravery of the soldiers.

Battle of Cerro Gordo

John Jr holding a small flag, describing the Battle of Chapultepec to Yuēhàn, who looks admiring.

John Jr talked about the Battle of Chapultepec next. This was a decisive battle in 1847. Gen. Winfield Scott led troops to overwhelm cadets at a military academy. It was a tough fight. Yuēhàn admired the courage of the young cadets.

Battle of Chapultepec

John Jr and Yuēhàn looking at a document titled 'Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo' with smiles on their faces.

Finally, John Jr and Yuēhàn found out about the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty ended the Mexican War. It also annexed a large amount of territory to California. John Jr and Yuēhàn were happy to learn how peace was achieved. They realized how important it is to learn from history.