California & War with Mexico By Mr. Linder

Who was here? Californios – Mexican colonists who felt little connection to their far away government. Californios – Mexican colonists who felt little connection to their far away government. California only had about 12,000 colonists California only had about 12,000 colonists Most were traders, trappers, travelers, and a few settlers from the U.S. – about 500. Most were traders, trappers, travelers, and a few settlers from the U.S. – about 500.

Conflict Breaks Out! Mexico believed the border between itself and the U.S. was the Nueces River. The U.S. believed it was the Rio Grande River. Mexico believed the border between itself and the U.S. was the Nueces River. The U.S. believed it was the Rio Grande River. In June of 1845 – President James K. Polk orders General Zachary Taylor into the disputed area. In June of 1845 – President James K. Polk orders General Zachary Taylor into the disputed area.

U.S. / Mexico Border Dispute

President James K. Polk

An Offer To Buy!? While Taylor was in “Mexico”, President Polk sent an offer to buy New Mexico & California for 30 million While Taylor was in “Mexico”, President Polk sent an offer to buy New Mexico & California for 30 million The offer is REJECTED! The offer is REJECTED!

Meantime... Taylor is camped with his troops in the disputed area of the Rio Grande River. Taylor is camped with his troops in the disputed area of the Rio Grande River. Mexican forces told Taylor to leave Mexican Territory. Mexican forces told Taylor to leave Mexican Territory. Taylor refuses to leave and the two armies clash. Taylor refuses to leave and the two armies clash. Several U.S. Soldiers die – and Polk declares war on Mexico! Several U.S. Soldiers die – and Polk declares war on Mexico!

Quote from James K. Polk! (Cause) “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon the American soil. The two nations are now at war.” “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon the American soil. The two nations are now at war.”

Bear Flag Revolt! Settlers – only 500 Americans vs. about 12,000 Californios in 1846 Settlers – only 500 Americans vs. about 12,000 Californios in 1846 Revolt – Americans seized Sonoma and declared California an Independent Nation in 1846 – starting the bear flag revolt. Revolt – Americans seized Sonoma and declared California an Independent Nation in 1846 – starting the bear flag revolt. Fremont – leader of the U.S. army on a “mapping” expedition, entered CA to support independence. Fremont – leader of the U.S. army on a “mapping” expedition, entered CA to support independence.

John C. Fremont – Army Captain

The California Bear Flag

California Flag Today:

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mexico gives up present-day CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, CO, and WY. Mexico gives up present-day CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, CO, and WY. New TX boundary at Rio Grande New TX boundary at Rio Grande Mexicans protected - their free enjoyment of property, liberty, & religion. Mexicans protected - their free enjoyment of property, liberty, & religion. Increased size of U.S. by 25% Increased size of U.S. by 25%

After Effects: Americans FLOODED into the Southwest Americans FLOODED into the Southwest New American settlers abused residents to control land, water, and minerals. New American settlers abused residents to control land, water, and minerals. Most Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans faced legal, economic, and social discrimination. Most Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans faced legal, economic, and social discrimination.