WarmUp didnt cross the border the border crossed
Warm-Up didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” �Explain �Take this statement: “We a risk, say something, the only incorrect answer is a non-attempt (no “I don’t know. ”).
Mexican-American War (1846 – 1848) “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. ” --John O’ Sullivan
Manifest Destiny �What is it? • Belief that US had a mandate (direction from God) to expand from Coast to Coast • John O’Sullivan �The South generally favored westward expansion • more land spread of slavery
Election of 1844 Clay (Whig) vs. Polk (Democrat) Polk embraces Manifest Destiny and the annexation of Texas, defeats Clay
Events Leading to the War � Annexation of Texas (1845) � Slidell Mission: • Polk wanted to purchase CA and settle boundary dispute along TX border • Sends ambassador Slidell to Mexico City � April 25, 1846 – Mexico attacks US troops on “US” soil • Called the “Thornton Affair” • Happens on disputed territory �U. S. says Rio Grande River is border while Mexico claims Nueces River border • 16 U. S. soldiers and untold # of Mexican soldiers killed
“Old Rough and Ready” Gen. Taylor “Old Fuss and Feathers” General Winfield Scott
Key Battles � Battle of Palo Alto • Gen. Taylor employs “flying artillery” � Battle of Monterrey • Urban warfare � Battle of Buena Vista • Santa Ana defeated by Taylor’s smaller force � Battle of Vera Cruz • Gen. Scott Establishes beach head at Vera Cruz • First major amphibious landing for U. S. military � Battle for Jalapa • Robert E. Lee found a path to avoid head on battle • A classic flanking maneuver � Battle for Mexico City • Scott’s forces out flank Santa Ana’s larger force
An Important Treaty �Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: • U. S. gained California, and modern-day NM, AZ, UT and NV -- ½ of Mexican territory • U. S. to pay $15 million • Rio Grande is the official border
Effects of the War � America increased its size by 1/3 � Future generals emerge: R. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Grant, Sherman, etc. � Gen. Taylor is national hero and becomes president � Debate over slavery continues • Wilmot Proviso: Bill to ensure no slavery in land acquired from Mexico (failed several times) • Compromise of 1850:
Compromise of 1850 � California was admitted as a free state � The slave trade was abolished (the sale of slaves, not the institution of slavery) in Wash. D. C. � The Territory of Utah and the Territory of New Mexico were organized under the rule of popular sovereignty � A harsher Fugitive Slave Act � Texas gave up much of the western land which it claimed and received compensation of $10, 000 to pay off its national debt
Santa Ana’s Leg on display in Illinois
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