1. The Mexican American War
The Mexican American war was a result of Manifest Destiny – which is what?
Did this war take place before or after the Annexation of Texas?
Americans supported the idea of Manifest Destiny. In 1844 James Polk became President of the USA largely due to the fact that he promised to increase the size of the United States

2. James K. Polk
The “dark horse” candidate from Tennessee wins the election of 1844 with a campaign platform supporting the goals of Manifest Destiny.
Polk supported the Monroe Doctrine and warned European powers to avoid conflict with the Americans, as they were a, “Sphere of influence in a message to Congress in 1845.
Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico to find a “diplomatic solution” to the Texas border issue.
Slidell offered MX $25 million for the California Territory --- what does this remind you of?????

3. Mexican Reaction
Mexican President, Mariano Parades refused to see Slidell.
He broke off diplomatic relations with the United States.
The proposed purchase of California did not end, many leaders in California wanted to join the U.S. as a new state.

4. Outbreak of War
In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande River and attacked a small American cavalry unit. According to the Mexican point of view, this was Mexican territory because they did not recognize the Rio Grande as the border – they saw the Nueces River as the border. USA disagreed.
On May 13th, US Congress declared war.
Many Americans in New England did not support the war. They saw the war as American aggression against a weaker neighbor.

5. Polk’s War Strategy General Zachary Taylor invaded northern Mexico.
General Stephen Kearny traveled west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California.
General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City.

6. It’s Treaty Time! Lawyers representing the USA
Lawyers representing Mexico
Lawyers representing the USA

7. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The United States gained full title to Texas with the Rio Grande as the southern border.
Gained California and the New Mexico territory including present day Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Colorado.
The U.S. paid $15 million for California and New Mexico and agreed to pay Mexican debts totaling 3.25 million dollars.
In 1853, the United States purchased the southern portion of New Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million dollars enabling the U.S. to have flat land for a connecting railroad.
Once the United States gained control of these areas, populations grew with new settlers flooding west.