What was Americans main goal during the Mexican war?

The main goal of Americans during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was to expand territorial boundaries, driven by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States was destined to spread across the North American continent. The U.S. aimed to acquire Mexico's northern territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and parts of Colorado and Utah. This expansionist ambition was motivated by a desire for land, resources, and economic opportunities. Ultimately, the war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.