Reshaping America in the Early 1800s Lesson 2 Texas and the Mexican-American War

Learning Objectives Describe how Texas was settled and how it won independence from Mexico. Explain the debate around the annexation of Texas. Identify the causes and outcome of the Mexican-American War.

Reshaping America in the Early 1800s Lesson 2 Texas and the Mexican-American War Key Terms Stephen F. Austin Antonio López de Santa Anna autonomy Lone Star Republic Alamo Sam Houston James K. Polk Zachary Taylor Winfield Scott

Texas Fights for Independence With American expansionists seeking new territory and Mexico in control of most of the land to the south and west, conflict between the two nations seemed almost inevitable. The flashpoint for conflict became Texas. In time, that conflict would lead to a war that would vastly increase the size of the United States.

 Mexico allowed Americans to settle in Texas. Slavery banned  By 1835 US citizens outnumbered Mexicans 6 to 1. Secretly smuggled in slaves.  Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna – militarily ruler who took over Mexico as a dictator in  Wanted to end Texas autonomy

 1835 Texas declared Independence  Lone Star Republic  Santa Anna attacked the Alamo (San Antonio)  Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett  Santa Anna killed all at Goliad  Made Texans even madder  Sam Houstan beat and captured Santa Anna at Battle of San Jacinto  Recognized their Independence but fought over southern boarder for next 10 years.

Texas Fights for Independence Analyze Maps In which regions of Texas did Americans develop the most influence?

Texas Fights for Independence Stephen F. Austin came to Texas from Missouri in order to settle American colonies there. His efforts, along with those of other empresarios, helped the American population of Texas grow greatly.

Texas Fights for Independence Analyze Information What effect did the declaration of Texan independence likely have on the course of the revolution?

The Expansion Debate Texans elected Sam Houston as their first president. He quickly asked the United States to annex Texas. President Jackson privately favored the request, but he could not overcome opposition in Congress. Northern representatives balked at adding another slave state, especially one so big and potentially powerful. For nearly a decade, Texas continued to apply in vain for annexation. Houston tried to pressure Congress by pretending to consider joining the British Empire. At the time, Britain and the United States jointly occupied the Oregon Territory in the Pacific Northwest. The prospect alarmed expansionists.

 1844 election James K. Polk promised Texas to southerners and Oregon to the Northerners – won the Presidency.  Polk couldn’t go to war with both England and Mexico – he compromised with England on Oregon (split in half).  War with Mexico inevitable.

The Expansion Debate Analyze Maps What factors made the area shown on this map appealing to both the United States and Great Britain?

The Expansion Debate Analyze Information Which side benefited more from the compromise over the Oregon Territory? Explain your answer.

The Mexican-American War A month before Polk took office, Congress narrowly voted to annex Texas, which entered the Union as a slave state in December Annexation inflamed the long- standing border dispute between Texas and Mexico. Polk endorsed the Texan claim to the land south and west of the Nueces River as far as the Rio Grande. This claim tripled the traditional size of Texas. Outraged, the Mexicans refused to recognize the annexation.

 Mexico recognized Nueces River as Texas border. US recognized Rio Grande.  Polk sends army under Zarcary Taylor to “secure” Rio Grande. Mexico attacks – Polk asks Congress for war, “American blood on American soil”.  US had better economy, more men, better navy (blockade), and better officers.

 US took New Mexico and John C. Fremont led an army to take California – The Bear Flag Republic.  Race to Mexico City  Taylor won at Buena Vista  Winfield Scott left his supplies and moved 200 miles across land and took Mexico City.  Grant and Sherman with him…….

The Mexican-American War In 1846, General Zachary Taylor (mounted on a white horse) led U.S. troops to occupy disputed lands between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande in Texas. War soon began between the United States and Mexico.

The Mexican-American War Analyze Maps What region on the map was the subject of the land dispute that sparked the war?

Quiz: Texas Fights for Independence Which of the following was a rallying cry for Anglo-Texans and Tejanos fighting for Texas independence? A. 'Autonomy for All' B. 'Down with Santa Anna' C. 'Remember the Alamo' D. 'Liberty for Texas'

Quiz: The Expansion Debate According to President Polk, why did he compromise with the British on splitting the Oregon Territory? A. He had made an agreement with Canadians who were plotting to revolt against British rule. B. He did not want to risk a costly war with Britain when he was eager to go to war with Mexico. C. He thought the United States should not expand into the Oregon Territory. D. He wanted to undermine any power northern politicians in Congress might be able to use.

Quiz: The Mexican-American War What incident pushed President Polk to issue a declaration of war against Mexico? A. Mexican forces invaded and brought all of California under Mexican control. B. Santa Anna issued a declaration of war against the United States. C. Mexico claimed and sent troops to occupy the contested borderland between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. D. A Mexican patrol killed eleven American soldiers in the borderland.