1. War Chart: Mexican-American War

2. Causes Manifest Destiny
Texas (was part of Mexico, independent in 1836, annexed to U.S. in 1845 – Mexico unhappy about all of it)
U.S. offered to buy California for $5 mill., then $25 mill. – Mexico insulted

3. Spark
Pres. Polk orders Zachary Taylor to cross Nueces River and wait to be attacked
It happens April 25, 1846

4. Strategy Americans Use Navy as well as Land forces Attack Mexico City
California
Mexico City
Attack Mexico City
Fight until you get where you’re going

5. Mexico Guerilla tactics Constantly train new troops
20,000 trained for Mexico City alone

6. Key/Turning Point Battles
Santa Fe (1846)
Monterey (1846)
Buena Vista (1847)
Mexico City (Sep. 1847)
Actually a series of battles

7. Heroes (and Goats) Americans Zachary Taylor Stephen Kearney
Winfield Scott
James K. Polk

8. Mexican Heroats Santa Anna 4 boys at Chapultepec
US Army deserters (Saint Patrick’s Battalion)

9. Costs ($ and Lives) Americans Over 13,000 dead
$70 Mill ($1.1 bill. Different conversion rate based on per capita income of U.S. residents)

10. Cost cont.
Mexicans
Over 25,000 dead – according to some estimates, may be higher

11. Treaty Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Feb. 2, 1848) Terms
Gives California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada to U.S.
Mexico gives up Texas and sets boundary at Rio Grande
U.S. pays Mexico $15 mill. for land we took

12. Non-Treaty Results/Long-term Significance
Proves worth of U.S. military academies
More respect for U.S. military power
Bad relations with Latin America
Slavery extension to new territories
Gave experience to young officers who are anxious for more war