The Mexican American War (1846-1848)

President James K. Polk

This Democrat from Tennessee wins the election of 1844 (defeating Henry Clay) with a platform supporting the goals of Manifest Destiny.

He sent John Slidell (Spanish speaking Ambassador) to Mexico to find a diplomatic solution to the Texas border question and offered $25 million for the California territory.

Mexican Reaction Mexican President,

Mariano Parades refused to see Slidell.

After the US annexes Texas, Mexico breaks off diplomatic relations with the United States.

Outbreak of War 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 disagreed & on May 13th, Congress declared war.

Sectionalism: Americans Debate War

Supporters: Western states and Southern states. Supporting for geographical reasons and extension of slavery.

Opponents: Northerners. Questioned Polk’s declaration of war. Anti-slavery groups also opposed this war.

Map of War Strategy General Zachary Taylor

invaded northern Mexico.

General Stephen Kearny traveled west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California.

Bear Flag Revolt – Americans, led by John Fremont, rebelled against Mexican rule in California.

General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City (through Gulf of Mexico)

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

The United States gained full title to Texas with the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas.

The U.S. 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.

Before the Rush Californios – settlers of Mexican/Spanish

descent Mariano Vallejo – Californio land owner John Sutter – owned mill in Sacramento

Valley John Marshall – builds Sutter’s mill on the

American River - GOLD

Gold RushHow to Get There 18,000 Mile sail around South America Isthmus of Panama Oregon/California TrailMining Camps Tents along the Sierra Nevada mountains Rough, violent places 2/3 American 1/3 – Chinese, South Americans, freed slaves

Impact of Gold Rush 250,000 people move to Ca San Francisco becomes a port city – with

many different ethnicities Californios & Native Americans – have

property seized 1850 – California becomes a FREE state

Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny is a nineteenth-century belief

that the U.S. had a mission to expand westward across the North American continent, spreading its form of democracy, freedom and culture

The expansion was deemed to be not only good, but also obvious ("manifest") and certain ("destiny").

Many believed the mission to be divinely inspired

American Progress