1. Section Three
War with Mexico

2. A) The New Mexico Territory

3. New Mexico Territory
The New Mexico Territory was made up of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado.

4. Santa Fe Trail
In 1821, William Becknell traveled to the New Mexico territory on the Santa Fe Trail which became a busy trail for settlers. 

5. B) California’s Spanish Culture

6. California Territory
The first settlers of California were Spanish missionaries and explorers who built missions in the area.

7. California Missions
By 1820, California had over 21 missions with over 20,000 converts to Christianity.

8. Rancheros
In 1821, rancheros built ranchos (similar to plantations) where Native Americans were treated like slaves.

9. Americans Move to California
By the 1840’s, Americans began to move into California and the U.S. offered to buy California on several occasions.

10. C) Conflict Begins

11. Disputed Border
President Polk wanted to take New Mexico, California, and Oregon. However, instead of starting a war, they provoked the Mexicans.

12. John Slidell
John Slidell was sent to offer $30 million to Mexico if they would accept the Texas border deal.
In 1845, Mexico still believed the annexation of Texas was illegal.

13. Gen. Zachary Taylor
Gen. Zachary Taylor arrived in the area between the disputed border to build a fort and was attacked by Mexican forces.

14. Polk Asks for War
On May 11, 1846, President Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico over the attack.

15. Polk’s Plan To drive the Mexicans down south of the Rio Grande River.
2. U.S. would take New Mexico and California.
3. U.S. would take Mexico City.

16. U.S. Troops Move South
Gen. Taylor attacks and takes Matamoros, Monterrey, and Buena Vista which secured the border.

17. Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny
Gen. Kearny attacks and takes New Mexico and California securing the Western border.
In June of 1846, the Bear Flag Republic was formed in California.

18. Commodore John Sloat
The U.S. Navy under the command of Commodore Sloat arrived and annexed California to the United States.

19. Gen. Winfield Scott
In March of 1847, Gen. Scott landed in Veracruz (Mexican port) and marched toward Mexico City to capture the city and force Mexico to surrender.

20. Mexican American War
The war cost over $100 million and over 13,000 died (11,000 to disease).

21. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war officially in The U.S. got the Texas border, Texas, New Mexico, and California for $15 million.

22. Gadsden Purchase
In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase added a small strip of land to the deal. The U.S. became the size it is today.