u.s. history. questions about texas tensions between mexico & the u.s. grew under president...
TRANSCRIPT
The War with MexicoU.S. History
Questions about TexasTensions between Mexico & the
U.S. grew under President Tyler.
He wanted to annex Texas. In 1844, he brought the issue to the Senate.
BUT Tyler accidentally included a letter from John C. Calhoun that contained a fierce defense of slavery.
Annexation was defeated 35 to 16.
Election of 1844Whig
Senator Henry Clay
Democrat James K. Polk
Governor of Tennessee He supported the annexation of both Texas and
Oregon He wanted to buy California from Mexico
Oregon“Fifty-four Forty or Fight”
Polk’s supporters believed the U.S. had the right to control all land south of 54*40’ north latitude
Oregon Treaty – American control of all land south of 49*
British navigational rights to the Columbia River
TexasDespite the Calhoun letter, Texas was later annexed
1845 - Resolution passed and Texas became 28th state
Mexico & the U.S. disputed the southern boundaries of Texas, claiming:Mexico – Nueces RiverU.S. – Rio Grande River
Leaders of the CountriesMexico - Jose HerreraUnited States - James K. Polk
Increased TensionAfter Texas, Polk still wanted to buy
California.In November 1845, he sent John Slidell as a
special envoy, or representative, to Mexico City.But Jose Herrera refused to sell the territory.
Zachary TaylorHerrera’s actions ended
any chance of a peaceful solution
Polk ordered Taylor to cross the Nueces RiverHe wanted Mexican
soldiers to fire the first shot
Mexico viewed this as an invasion & attacked on May 9
The War with Mexico1. Congressional Declaration of War (May 13,
1846)2. 3 pronged military attack
A. Zachary Taylor would move south over the Rio Grande
B. Colonel Kearny would capture Santa Fe then march to California with help from navy
C. U.S. troops would then advance to Mexico City
VolunteersFor the 3 pronged attack
to work, the U.S. needed to expand the army.
President Polk called for 50,000 volunteers.
Almost 73,000 enlisted.
CaliforniaBefore troops arrived, General John C.
Fremont led an uprising and overthrew Mexican officials
Once California became independent, it was renamed the Bear Flag Republic (June 14, 1846)
PEACEAfter the fall of Mexico City, Herrera
surrendered.Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (February 2,
1848) Mexico ceded, or gave up, more than 500,000 sq.
miles Rio Grande became the southern U.S. & Mexican
border U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and took $3.25 million
in debt
Manifest Destiny Complete