Chapter 10.3 HSS We are the nation of human progress, and who will, what can, set limits to our onward march?” -John O’Sullivan
NEW TREATY-TEXAS March congress approves annexation. December 1845-Texas becomes a state. Angered Mexican government: considered Texas a “stolen province” Other than Texas, Mexico still controlled southwest including California.
CONFLICTED BORDERS Dispute over border Mexico says it is the Nueces River. U.S. says it is the Rio Grande. Polk sends John Slidell to Mexico Offers Mexico $30 million for California and New Mexico. Mexico is insulted and refuses to speak to him.
MEXICAN AMERICAN WAR March 1846-Gen. Zachary Taylor led troops to the Rio Grande. Mexican Commander tells Taylor to leave, he refuses “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon American soil…” - President James Polk
BEAR FLAG REVOLT June California is taken by a small group of Americans Led by John C. Fremont Bear flag is raised. California claims to be an independent nation.
U.S. TAKES CALIFORNIA July US naval forces arrive and raised the stars and stripes Kearny arrives San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco August 1846-US Navy Commodore Robert Stockton claims California for the United States
WAR’S END February Santa Anna and Taylor fight at Buena Vista. Heavy losses for both sides, Mexico retreats General Winfield Scott is sent to Mexico Sails to Veracruz March Veracruz fell Turns focus to Mexico City Falls September 14, 1847
MEXICAN CESSION February 1848-US and Mexico sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Officially ends war California, Nevada, Utah, and most of Arizona and New Mexico is given to the US. Sets U.S. Mexico border at the Rio Grande U.S. grows by almost 25%! US paid Mexico $15 million
GADSDEN PURCHASE Americans need southern railroad to California December 1853, U.S. Minister to Mexico James Gadsden Gadsden Purchase US paid Mexico $10 million for southern parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Sets U.S. Mexico boundary at what it is today.
AFTERMATH OF THE WARS Americans flood into the Southwest Conflict with Mexican- Americans and Native Americans over land Discrimination Property rights Manifest destiny