During the Mexican-American War, three events stood out among many and had a significant impact on the outcome of the war. These events include the Battle of Buena Vista, Ulysses S. Grant’s accomplishments during Mexico City Campaign, and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna leaving Mexico for exile in Cuba after losing to Scotty at the battle of perote castle.

The Battle of Buena Vista (or the battle of Angostura) is best known for Zachary Taylor’s victory against Santa Anna on February 22, 1847. Even though General Taylor had roughly 4,000 fewer soldiers than the Mexicans, he was able to hold his own with the help of General Jefferson Davis. The Battle of Buena Vista demonstrated that American troops were capable of defeating Mexican troops, which raised morale among the troops who were planning on invading Mexico City.

However, the battle of Buena Vista was slightly overshadowed by Ulysses S. Grant’s accomplishments during Mexico City Campaign.

Ulysses S. Grant was an American general who had participated in many battles including Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He started to gain national popularity after his victory at the battle of Vicksburg on July 1863.

After the battle of Buena Vista, General Taylor and his troops retreated back to the US and left Mexico. However, Zachary Taylor had a significant impact on American history by being elected as president from 1849-1850. On the other hand, Ulysses S. Grant rose in ranks within the army and became commanding general during the American civil war.

Lastly, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was forced to leave Mexico after the Battle of Perote Castle and went into exile in Cuba. During his exile, he wrote a book describing how he conquered independent America and had planned on stealing California from America during his invasion. 

The second event that led to Ulysses S. Grant’s growing reputation occurred during the Battle for Mexico City. While commanding troops in Mexico City, he wrote a letter to the Commanding General explaining that his troops would be able to take a hill before sundown or else they would all die trying. Despite being outnumbered three to one, Grant’s men took the hill and held it against Mexican attacks.

This event was important for two reasons—the first is it confirmed Grant’s bravery and loyalty to his troops, which is ultimately what led President Abe Lincoln to appoint him as the commanding general of all Union Army troops.

The last event that had a major impact on the outcome of the war was Santa Anna choosing to leave Mexico after being defeated by Scotty at the battle of perote castle. This meant that Santa Anna would not be present at the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war.

Overall, all three events were key turning points in the Mexican-American War that ultimately led to American victory. Although other battles were fought, it was these three particular ones that had a lasting effect on how Americans are viewed in the world.