The Mexican American War

The War Begins After the annexation of Texas in 1844, it was only a matter of time before war between Texas and the United States would happen. The war began in June of 1845. President Polk sent general Zachary Taylor to Texas to protect the American border with Mexico.

General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana

President James K. Polk

General Zachary Taylor

Border Dispute The U.S. and Mexico had a different opinion on where the border between Texas and Mexico was as you will see on the map that follows.

War of Aggression President Polk sent General Taylor to the area that the U.S. considered it’s border. Predictably, Taylor’s troops were attached by the Mexican army. Polk had what he wanted, a war with Mexico.

What did the U.S. want from war with Mexico? Land Remember manifest destiny? The U.S. wanted all the land west of Texas including California.

U.S. has huge technological advantage Artillery - superior large guns and better ammunition better rifles and handguns, including the colt revolver telegraph = better communications

U.S. has a huge population and economic advantage U.S. - 17 million people Mexico - 7 million people U.S. - growing economy Mexico - in debt

Deaths during the war One out of ten American soldiers died in less than two years of service Disease accounted for 7/8 of the deaths. Crowded, unsanitary conditions and impure water led to dysentery, lice, and other diseases that spread rapidly. 12,518 American soldiers died during the war.

Map of Mexican War Battles

U.S. army goes all the way to Mexico City As you saw on the preceding map, the U.S army went all the way to Mexico City. Once this happened, Mexico had no choice but to surrender.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed ending the war.

The Mexican Cession

Mexican Cession Mexico had to give up a great deal of land at the conclusion of the war. US paid $15 million to Mexico for the territory. This territory included all of the present- day states of California, Nevada, and Utah and also parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Gadsden Purchase 1853 agreement to buy a strip of land in what is now the southern United States so that a railroad line could be built to the Gulf of California. It cost $10 million.

Territorial Expansion