1. The
Mexican War
( ) 1

2. Let’s Think… What are some justifiable reasons for war?
Is acquiring more land a justifiable reason?
Why or why not?

3. The Slidell Mission: Nov., 1845
Mexican recognition of the Rio Grande River as the TX-US border.
US would forgive American citizens’ claims against the Mexican govt.
US would purchase the New Mexico area for $5,000,000.
US would California at any price.
Mexico’s response: NO!
What can the U.S. do now????
John Slidell 3

4. Why did we go to war with Mexico?
Ultimately fought because President James K. Polk and U.S. wanted more land
Specifically: Texas, California, New Mexico, the rest of the Southwest
In other words, slave states to add more slave states and free states to add more free states

5. The Mexican War ( ) 5

6. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1848
The Treaty was basically forced on Mexico!
Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio Grande River.
Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico.
U. S. gave Mexico $15,000,000 6

7. The Mexican Cession 7

8. Territorial Growth to 1853 8

9. So, let’s think again…
Why would each type of state want to add more similar states?
What type of power would this improve for the states that got what they want?
What document did we learn about that tried to address the issue of slavery?
Was the U.S. wrong in its dealings with Mexico? Defend!

10. Now what???
US won war with Mexico, gained Texas, California, New Mexico, and Utah
But will these states be free or slave?