Ch. 14 Part 2 Notes Title: War with Mexico Title: War with Mexico Main Idea: Conflict between the United States and Mexico led to war. Main Idea: Conflict between the United States and Mexico led to war. Key Terms: cede, abolitionist Key Terms: cede, abolitionist

Causes of the War a. Mexico never recognized the Republic of Texas and considered the USA’s annexation of Texas an insult. b. Also, Mexico refused to accept the Rio Grande as the official boundary between Texas and Mexico. Instead, they insisted the Nueces River separated the country and state.

Causes of the War c. Another problem was Mexico was angered by the USA’s efforts to expand trade by trying to acquire the Pacific port of San Francisco, then in Mexican California. d. The USA offered Mexico 30 million in return for: i. Mexico accepting the Rio Grande as the Mexico-Texas boundary, and if…. ii. Mexico would cede, or give up, California and the western half of New Mexico to the USA.

Causes of the War e. In December 1845, President Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico to negotiate the boundary dispute and offer to buy California. i. The Mexican government refused to talk to Slidell and diplomatic relations broke down. f. In March 1846, President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to move his troops across the Nueces River to the Rio Grande.

War Declared a. In May 1846, American and Mexican forces first clashed at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, which was in the disputed territory. b. US President Polk declared Mexico had shed American blood on American soil. c. Mexican President Mariano Paredes could have claimed Mexican blood had been shed on Mexican soil. d. The United States declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846.

War Declared e. Some members of Congress, including abolitionists, or people who worked to end slavery, questioned the American motives to possibly expand slavery. f. Many Texans, including several companies of Texas Rangers who served as scouts, fought on the American side. g. J. Pinckney Henderson, current Texas governor, took a leave of absence to command Texas troops.

United States Victory a. The US forces were better equipped and better led than were their opponents. b. General Taylor captured Monterrey and later defeated Santa Anna at Buena Vista. c. General Winfield Scott landed at Vera Cruz and captured Mexico City in September d. Women, such as Sarah Borginnis, traveled with US troops, loading cartridges and dressing wounds.

United States Victory e. The Peace Treaty at Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, i. Mexico accepted the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. ii. Mexico ceded all territory between Texas and the Pacific Ocean, which was called the Mexican Cession. The U.S. paid 15 million for this land. iii. Also, Mexicans living in this area would have the rights of the US citizenship.

The New Mexico Boundary Dispute a. The question of whether Santa Fe would become part of Texas became a political issue in the US. b. The people of Santa Fe preferred to be a separate territory or state. c. Members of congress, led by former presidential candidate Henry Clay, helped write the Pearce Act, as part of the Compromise of 1850.

The New Mexico Boundary Dispute d. The US agreed to give Texas 10 million for Santa Fe and the rest of the disputed territory. e. In 1853, the US paid Mexico an additional 10 million for the Gadsden Purchase, a strip of land along the southern edge of Arizona and New Mexico.

People to Know (add to notes) – p. 298/299 – A free African- American well to do businessman. Mixed race and spoke Spanish and several native Texan languages William Goyens – p. 298/299 – A free African- American well to do businessman. Mixed race and spoke Spanish and several native Texan languages – p. 309 – Established a ranch near San Antonio, recorded her daily life in diaries and journals between the days of the Republic of Texas and the Civil War, worked hard to make sure the history of Texas was preserved Mary Maverick – p. 309 – Established a ranch near San Antonio, recorded her daily life in diaries and journals between the days of the Republic of Texas and the Civil War, worked hard to make sure the history of Texas was preserved

Assignments for Today 1. Turn in Thursdays worksheet - (The Texas Constitution) 2. Read 14.1 and Make sure you have ready chapter 13