The U.S.-Mexican War

James K. Polk Supported Manifest Destiny “Dark horse” candidate for president in 1844 Native of Tennessee Supported Manifest Destiny Supported the Monroe Doctrine Wanted to guarantee U.S. a clear passage to the Pacific Passed resolution to annex Texas as a slave state Despite Northern objections to the spread of slavery

Mexico Responds Mexican President refused to speak to U.S. diplomats President sought a diplomatic solution to the Texas border Texas claimed Rio Grande as TX border Offered $25 million for the California & New Mexico territory Mexican President refused to speak to U.S. diplomats Broke off diplomatic relations

Outbreak of War General Zachary Taylor order to march beyond the Nueces River Mexicans believed this was the southern border of Texas American forces camped at the Rio Grande River In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande River & attacked According to the Mexicans, this was Mexican territory.

War (Continued) Polk and his cabinet agreed this was grounds for war Asked Congress for a declaration of war against Mexico Mexico had “…invaded our territory & shed American blood upon American soil” On May 13th, 1846: Congress declared war Most Democrats supported the war Whigs & many Americans did not support the war Called it American aggression against a weaker neighbor Illinois congressman Lincoln claimed the spot was clearly in Mexico Frederick Douglass called it “disgraceful” & “cruel”

Polk’s War Strategy Massive invasion Gen. Taylor invaded northern Mexico General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City from the Gulf of Mexico

John C. Fremont leads a revolt in California Gen. Stephen Kearny marched west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California John C. Fremont leads a revolt in California Create the Bear Flag Republic

Mexican Cession Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed to end the war U.S. claimed Texas with the Rio Grande as the southern border Mexico recognized them as part of the U.S. Paid $15 million for California and New Mexico territory Included present day Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Colorado Almost ½ of Mexico

Anti-slavery Democrats formed this party Because of Polk’s failing health and because he had accomplished all he wanted in one term, he did not seek reelection

Completion of Manifest Destiny In 1853, the United States purchased the southern portion of New Mexico Gadsden Purchase $10 million dollars for the U.S. to have flat land for a southern transcontinental railroad Populations grew with new settlers flooding west Manifest destiny had come true Polk lays the cornerstone of a monument honoring George Washington on July 4, 1848 August 1848 – gold was discovered in California