The Mexican American War The Mexican American War was a result of American desires to expand their nation from sea to shining sea. The political support of Manifest Destiny provided the political and economic goals to come together to support expansion of the nation through any means necessary.

Mexican-American War The Beginnings

James K. Polk The “dark horse” candidate from Tennessee wins the election of 1844 with a platform supporting the goals of Manifest Destiny. Polk supported the Manifest Destiny and the expansion of the United States from “Sea to shining sea.” He sent John Slidell to Mexico to find a diplomatic solution to the Texas border question and offered $25 million for the California territory.

America’s Manifest Destiny

Mexican Reaction Mexican President, Mariano Parades refused to see Slidell. Break off diplomatic relations with the United States. Mexico refuses to sell the territories in Northern Mexico to the United States

Disputed Territory

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 had failed to recognize the border farther south at the Nueces River. On May 13th, Congress declared war. Many Americans did not support the war in New England. They had supporting American aggression against a weaker neighbor.

The Bear Flag Revolt June 1846 John C. Fremont War declared on Mexico Americans in California declared Independence from Mexico John C. Fremont Leads revolt against Mexico to gain the territory of California Leaders raise the bear flag in defiance of Mexico

The Bear Flag Revolt

Conquest of New Mexico Steven Kearny Took Santa Fe without bloodshed Take New Mexico Followed Santa Fe Trail Took Santa Fe without bloodshed Brought American Rule to New Mexico

Conquest of New Mexico

Battle of Monterey Zachary Tayolor Monterey Future U.S. President Very bloody battle Captures

Battle of San Gabriel Near Los Angeles United States Victory U.S. Takes possession of California. What the U.S. had once offered $25 Million for, they now took by force.

Battle of Monterey and San Gabriel

Conquest of Mexico City Population Center The attack was to convince Mexico of their loss of the Northern Territories When Santa Anna loses, Polk offers him $1 Million to sign a peace treaty Santa Anna refuses The U.S. defeats Mexico City

Conquest of Mexico City

Polk’s War Strategy General Zachary Taylor invaded northern Mexico. General Stephen Kearny traveled west and captured Sante Fe, and supported revolt in California. General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City.

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

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

War’s End