The Mexican American War Annexation of Texas Many

The Mexican American War

Annexation of Texas • Many Texans want to join the U. S. after it became independent. • Mexico warned the U. S. to not annex, or take control of, Texas • To ease tension, Polk offered to buy California too.

The War Begins • April 25, 1846 Mexican and US forces fight in the territory between the Rio Grande and Nueces Rivers. • Polk declares war the next day. • American forces move into Texas and California

Invading Mexico • Zachary Taylor led 6, 000 U. S. troops into Mexico • Santa Ana led an army of 20, 000 • Both met near Monterey in 1847 • Santa Ana retreated

Battles • Winfield Scott led navy to Vera Cruz and captured it with 10, 000 troops • Mexican army made a last stand at Chapultapec Castle in Mexico City in 1847 • Mexico surrendered February 2, 1848

The Mexican-American War, 1846 -1848

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo • Officially ended the Mexican-American War in 1848 • Mexican gave up presentday California, Nevada, and Utah, & parts of Arizona, New Mexico, & Wyoming • We basically gave Mexico $18 million for this land • Increased Size of the U. S. by almost 25%

Settlement • Mexicans living in the area, immediately became citizens of the US, but it was now open for white people to move in as well. However the Native Americans were not treated equally • Americans began to flood into the Southwest • Discrimination forced many Mexicans out of the territory

Mexican Cession

Gadsden Purchase of 1853 • U. S. paid Mexico $10 million for southern parts of present -day Arizona and New Mexico. • This land was needed for the expansion of the Railroads.

Manifest Destiny is over

Questions • How did President Polk avoid war with Britain over Oregon? • What were the causes & result of the Mexican-American War? • How was the United States able to fulfill it’s “Manifest Destiny” through the Mexican-American War?