Causes MANIFEST DESTINY The belief that the U.S. was destined (by God) to stretch across the continent.

Causes Trouble with Mexico Texas becomes a U.S. State in 1845 Dispute over Texas and Mexico Border (Rio Grande or Nueces river) Americans are attacked when troops are sent into disputed territory This attack is used as a reason for WAR

Causes America Divided Northerners distrust President Polk’s reason for war. Creates major U.S debate over slavery in any new territory.

Civil Disobedience In 1847 Illinois congressman Abraham Lincoln questions Polk’s account of the border incident He goes on to accuse Polk of misleading Congress and starting a war for territory Writer Henry David Thoreau is arrested for failing to pay taxes that he believes support the war He writes an essay “Civil Disobedience”

U.S President James K. Polk Mexican General Santa Anna

U.S Generals Zachary Taylor Winfield Scott

Effects Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo- Texas officially becomes a U.S. state U.S also gains lands in the Mexican Cession This gives the state territory of CA, NV, UT, AZ, part of NM, WY, CO in exchange for 15 million dollars - An estimated 100,000 Mexicans will become American citizens

Effects American Outcome 1,700 killed 11,000 die of diseases America now stretch's from “sea to shining sea” The new territory creates fierce debates on the issue of Slavery in America