The Mexican War grew out of the annexation of Texas and the dispute between the United States and Mexico over the boundary line. Texas had achieved her independence of Mexico in 1836, and in less than a year her sovereignty was acknowledged by the United States. Soon afterwards Texas applied for annexation to the United States, and a bill to that effect, after much discussion in Congress, finally passed in march, 1845. The second half of this book covers in detail the campaign of Major General Winfield Scott, ending with the surrender of Mexico as well as the political aftermath.