What happened in July 1846?

In July 1846, tensions escalated between the United States and Mexico, leading to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. On July 7, U.S. forces under General Zachary Taylor engaged Mexican troops at the Battle of Palo Alto, marking the first significant conflict of the war. This conflict was rooted in disputes over Texas, which had been annexed by the U.S. in 1845, and territorial claims in the region. The war would ultimately reshape the boundaries of both nations.