1. Expansion in Texas, the Mexican War

2. Agenda
1. Bell Ringer: What is the meaning behind “fifty-four or fight!”?
2. Notes: Expansion in Texas, Mexican War (25)
3. “The Alamo” Video Clip (10)
4. Map of Expansion in the United States (Timeline) (20)
5. Primary Analysis of the California Gold Rush (20)
HW: Next test is 12/7/2017

3. America Settles in the Southwest
The Mission system was utilized widely until the 1820s, when many became secular and towns formed around them.
Some natives, forced to work in the missions, decided to flee when the missions were deregulated after Mexican independence.
To maintain control over northern territories, it opened trade with the United States, allowing settlers to move in.
Land grants attracted settlers, but it also attracted slave owners.

4. Cultural Differences lead to Conflict
Mexico had abolished slavery in 1824, and now settlers to the region were bringing their slaves with them.
In 1830, Mexico closed the border, and taxed goods to prevent further expansion.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna would claim that Stephen Austin incited a Revolution and revoked all agreements allowing self-governance in the region.
This would lead to the Texas Revolution in 1836.

5. Remember the Alamo
Santa Anna would send forces to attack Americans at the Alamo.
Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie die in the chaos.
Sam Houston would attack Santa Anna’s forces at San Jacinto, killing 630 people in 18 minutes.
After capturing Santa Anna, he would force Mexico City to sign over Texas, and it officially becomes a republic in 1836.

6. Texas Joins the Union
Sam Houston invited the United States to annex Texas into the Country.
Southerners were in favor because it would expand slavery and cotton production.
Northerners were wary of it, but it would eventually pass under James K. Polk’s presidency in

7. James K Polk, and a reemergence of War
He wanted to continue expansion, so he sent John Slidell to talk to the Mexican government about ceding the territory of New Mexico and California.
They refused to see him, and this gave him the action to begin preparing for war, placing General Zachary Taylor at the Rio Grande.
Southerners supported the war, while northerners opposed it (Slavery)
War begins when 9 soldiers were killed near the Rio Grande, Abraham Lincoln would contest the declaration.

8. The War across the west, American Gains
Stephen Kearny marches 800 miles and takes New Mexico without a shot fired.
California exerted their independence against Mexico, and became a republic in
A failed plot to reinstate Santa Anna for peace led to a continuation of war for James Polk, but they are ultimately successful.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo allowed the United States to purchase the Western Territories in 1848 for $15 million.
Zachary Taylor would run for president in and win easily, given his war experience in the Mexican American War.

9. California Gold Rush January 1848, gold is discovered at Sutter’s Mill
Everybody rushes to California to get rich.
Forty-Niners come for riches, they rarely find it.
Many become wealthy by providing supplemental services.
Levi Strauss- Jeans
Hotels, Meals, Equipment.
A large influx of Chinese immigrants enter during this period as well.