It was clear by the mid 1800's that the United States wanted to extend its borders to the Pacific Ocean.
Texas was annexed in 1845 and the subsequent border dispute with Mexico helped fuel Congress' declaration of war in May of 1846. This war helped the United States gain territory in what we now call the Southwest which includes Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado.
The biography needs to chronical the important people who were involved in the Mexican War in what will become Arizona. The historian will need to find out the important places, events and topics of the war. The navigator will chart the movements of the war and geographic changes that occur as a result of the war.
Sites
Colonel Kearny-General site with links.
Hispanic Land Dispossesions-Interesting information about land disputes.
Both Sides of Story-Uniques views of the war.
Historical Survey-Summary of events leading up to war.