Transcript The Mexican American War

The Mexican American War
The Mexican American War was a result of
American desires to expand their nation from
sea to shining sea. The political support of
Manifest Destiny provided the political and
economic goals to come together to support
expansion of the nation through any means
necessary.
James K. Polk
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The “dark horse” candidate from Tennessee wins
the election of 1844 with a platform supporting the
goals of Manifest Destiny.
Polk supported the Monroe Doctrine and warned
Great Britain and France to avoid conflict in the
American hemisphere, or sphere of influence in a
message to Congress in 1845.
He sent John Slidell to Mexico to find a diplomatic
solution to the Texas border question and offered
$25 million for the California territory.
Mexican Reaction
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Mexican President,
Mariano Parades
refused to see Slidell.
Break off diplomatic
relations with the
United States.
The proposed
purchase of California
did not end, many
leaders in California
wanted to join the U.S.
as a new state.
Outbreak of War
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In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio
Grande River and attacked a small American
cavalry unit. According to the Mexican point of view,
this was Mexican territory. The United States had
failed to recognize the border farther south at the
Nueces River.
On May 13th, Congress declared war.
Many Americans did not support the war in New
England. They had supporting American aggression
against a weaker neighbor.
Polk’s War Strategy
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General Zachary
Taylor invaded
northern Mexico.
General Stephen
Kearny traveled west
and captured Santa
Fe, and supported
revolt in California.
General Winfield Scott
invaded Mexico City.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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The United States gained full title to Texas with the Rio
Grande as the southern border.
Gained California and the New Mexico territory including
present day Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of
Colorado.
The U.S. paid $15 million for California and New Mexico
and agreed to pay Mexican debts totaling 3.25 million
dollars.
In 1853, the United States purchased the southern portion
of New Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million
dollars enabling the U.S. to have flat land for a connecting
railroad.
Once the United States gained control of these areas,
populations grew with new settlers flooding west.