When Mexico gained its independent, it made New Mexico apart of the Mexican Republic. not alot affected New Meixco only spanish polices were cancled, witch said that New Mexico could'ent trade with outsiders. but under the control of mexico they allowed new mexicans to trade with outsiders. so because of the law santa fe became a hot spot for open trade, mostly with "Americanos". then the mexicans sent a new governor for new mexico, Albino Perez. he was seen as an outsider, just because the other governors were native, and he was spanish, showing there was rasisim.

on may 13, 1846 the U.S declared war on mexico, and so they sent a army down the santa fe trail into mexico. soon they made it into santa fe, and took control of New Mexico, it was a completely bloodless   battle.

then they made a set of laws for New Mexico, but they first had to appoint a governor, Charles Bent. during this a war was going on in mexico. and spread into New Mexico. there were rumors of a rebellion, to get rid of the U.S control. but on January 19, 1847 Charles Bent and others were killed at Taos. 

This article, by New Mexico State Historian Robert J. Torrez, appeared in the Official New Mexico Blue Book, Cuarto Centennial Edition, 1598-1998. It has been reprinted here with permission of the author. The New Mexico Blue Book is free, published by the Office of the New Mexico Secretary of State.