1. Was the Mexican-American War inevitable?
Today’s Aim:
Was the Mexican-American War inevitable?

2. Would you decide to move your family to Texas?
If You Were There...
You are the father or mother of a large farm family in Missouri. There is not enough land for everyone, so you’re looking for another opportunity.
One day, a Mexican government official comes to your town. He is looking for people to settle in TEXAS. The Mexican government is offering generous pieces of land to settlers like you. However, you may have to become a citizen of Mexico and FOLLOW MEXICAN LAWS.
Would you decide to move your family to Texas?
WHY or WHY NOT?

3. Territorial Expansion by Mid-19th Century
Texas
In 1821, Mexico won independence from Spain
The new Mexican government opted for a free-trade policy with USA
Thousands of U.S. speculators moved to Texas

4. The Texas Revolution
In the 1820s, Mexico encouraged U.S. immigration to Texas but problems emerged between “Anglos” & the new Mexican gov’t
“Texans” never fully accepted Mexican rules
In 1834, Santa Anna became dictator & was viewed as threat to Texans’ interests
An armed rebellion broke out in 1835, led by Stephen F. Austin
“Texans” ignored the Mexican ban on slavery
“Texans” refused to convert to Catholicism
,, &
Texans not allowed self-rule
“Texans” refused to pay import duties
“Texans” wanted self-rule like in the U.S.

5. The Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
Texans declared their independence from Mexico & wrote a national constitution
But the war for independence still had to be fought

6. VIDEO While you watch: What happened at the Alamo?
Take notes on your own…
VIDEO

7. Remember the Alamo! DON’T COPY
After the Texans lost badly at the Alamo, Houston led his army and surprised Santa Anna
They screamed “REMEMBER THE ALAMO!”
This started the Battle of San Jacinto – Texans captured Santa Anna and forced him to sign a TREATY giving Texas their independence

8. Annexing Texas DON’T COPY
The United States REFUSED to annex (add) Texas to the Union
Sam Houston, president of Texas, tried to sign a treaty of ANNEXATION with the United States
He even tricked the U.S. to think he would become friends with BRITAIN if they didn’t listen to him…SO WHAT DOES HOUSTON DO?

9. The Mexican American War
Sam Houston, president of the Republic of Texas
US finally annexes (adds on) Texas, 1845
Mexico’s reaction? MAD!
Hostilities continue to rage on
Americans call for War – President Polk agrees, even offers to pay $30 for California and New Mexico territories and AVOID WAR!
Which regions of the US do you think wanted war? Which didn’t?
Congress declares war 1846
General Zachary Taylor (USA)
Many American victories
Expansion into California

10. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
Ends the Mexican-American War!
Rio Grande is the new border
US gains SIGNIFICANT TERRITORY – Called the Mexican Cession (See map)
Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, (parts of Colorado and Wyoming)
1853 – Gadsden Purchase – completes border
What problems could result from this expansion?
What will happen with slavery?
VIDEO

11. ACTIVITY: Should we have declared war on Mexico?
With the person next to you, review your notes from today’s lesson and answer the question: Would you have supported the controversial war with Mexico?
Then, with your partner create a two column chart listing the reasons FOR or AGAINST going to war with Mexico.
Try to keep the reasons in the context of the times in terms of how Americans would have felt in the 1840’s. Discuss what we have just reviewed in the lesson.
FINISH FOR HOMEWORK
IF NOT DONE IN CLASS 