1. Completing America’s Manifest Destiny 1846-8

2. Dark Horse Election of 1844 Unfinished business after the joint annexation of Texas and Oregon. Mexico’s condition in 1844. Reasons for interest in Mexican lands?

3. The land possessed great promise. Texas revealed its significance. Mexico was afraid expansion would continue South into Mexico itself.

4. Ute Warrior The land was rich in its tribal diversity of Native Americans.

5. The propaganda machine in US newspapers had been in high gear since the days of Texas.

6. Tyler annexes Texas shortly after Polk’s platform calling for its annexation is successful in the general election of 1844. Polk’s inaugural message to Mexico City and London was clear. The US was pursuing expansionist desires.

7. Slidell Mission Sent to Mexico to buy lands for 30,000,000. Refused to even be seen. Taylor sent to the Nueces River in Texas (Southern border with Mexic0) with 4,000 men.

8. Mexico responded to Taylors aggressive stance. Killing or wounding 16 capturing the rest of the party. “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and,shed American blood upon American soil….war exists”

9. War’s popularity Polk’s work ethic Mexico would sue for peace after several key victories US would keep occupied lands.

10. US Army stood at 7400 prior…Polk’s call for volunteers garnered 112,000!

11. Taylor takes Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. Kearny takes Santa Fe ad Monterrey Also captured San Diego and Los Angeles.

12. Taylor pummels Santa Anna at Buena Vista. The amphibious landing at Veracruz. The victory was a stunning success. Winfield Scott wrote Polk “Mexico no longer has an army”. Short lived statement. Santa Anna rallies for one final defense of Mexico City with 30,000 men, the city would soon be captured.

15. What to do with Mexico? Northern and Southern perspectives emerge. Wilmot Proviso…