1. HOW THE U.S. GAINS TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA AND
THE MEXICAN WAR
OR . . .
HOW THE U.S. GAINS TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA AND
NEVADA AND . . .
(Well, you get the idea!)

2. The Election of 1844
John Tyler
James K. Polk
Henry Clay

3. JAMES K. POLK Favors annexation of Texas
Solution to problem of free/slave state imbalance: Annex Oregon too!
1844 Campaign slogan:54”40’ or Fight!
Wins election

4. Texas is Annexed!

5. Slave territory increases after Texas annexation

6. Oregon Treaty of 1846 Polk keeps Oregon campaign promise
However, negotiations between U.S. and Great Britain finally settle Oregon boundary at the
49th parallel – (south of the U.S. chosen border of 54”40’)
Boundary

8. United States, Mexico & Texas Republic in 1836

9. Polk sends General Zachary Taylor into disputed area
“Old Rough and Ready”

10. Mexico orders Taylor to leave. He refuses and …
THE WAR BEGINS!

11. The U.S. wins many battles,
Mexican victories
are few.

12. General Zachary Taylor wins Battle of Buena Vista

13. When General Winfield Scott captures Mexico City,
Mexico Surrenders!

14. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Paid $15 million for land
Agreed to pay $3 million to settle American claims against Mexico
Promise for protection of Mexican citizens in region of cession
Gains territory later divided into CA, NV and UT
Also gains land which formed parts of present-day AZ, NM, CO and WY
Won land claimed by TX North of Rio Grande

15. Mexico cedes 500,000 square miles and . . .
The United States grows by 25%!

16. The U.S. achieves its goal of “Manifest Destiny”!