Primary source documents and images, along with interesting and informative text, tell the exciting story behind the fight between the United States and Mexico for western land. Each battle in the war is covered, with biographical and background information on key characters, highlighted. The annexation of Texas and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo are discussed, providing insight into the reasons for the often strained relations between the United States and Mexico. The book shows how conditions were ripe for civil wars in each country.