e under-dog at both Conteras and Churubusco. His walked his troops in to Mexico City after he captured it. His biggest victory was when he captured Vera Cruz.Finally we meet the leader of the Mexican Army, President Santa Anna (see figure 4).Santa Anna was the leader of the Mexican forces. He was elected 11 times but he was often overthrown due to his ruling as a dictator. But he was a great politician and did a good job at looking out for Mexico’s Best interests.Battles in the WarOne of the first battles fought was the battle of Palo Alto. General Taylor’s troops met the Mexican Forces commanded by Mariano Arista on a plain just northeast of Brownville, Texas. This took place on May 8th, 1846. The first large-scale battle was the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. This took place on May 9th, 1846, just a day after the battle of Palo Alto. General Taylor Taylor’s army of 2,300 men destroyed 5,000 men under Arista. Taylor’s first two victories allowed him to cross the Rio Grande and invade Mexico. Taylor continued his campaign with the battle of Buena Vista. Taylor’s 5,000 men defended a narrow mountain pass against Santa Anna’s Army containing around 18,000 men. After 48 hours of fighting Taylor’s troops stood victorious. With this Victory General Taylor established a firm hold on Northeastern Mexico. This battle was fought from February 22nd – February 24th, 1847 near the ranch of Buena Vista. Directly following these 3 battles was one of the most important battles of the entire way. This was the battle of Cerro Gordo. About a month after Buena Vista Both Santa Anna and General Taylor has reinforced their Armies in hopes of wiping the other out. On April 17th, 1846 General Taylor met Santa Anna on a narrow Mountain pass near Japala. General Taylor’s 9,000 men forced Santa Anna’s 13,000 men to flee after only a day of fighting. This battle cleared the way for Taylor’s men to...
