1. Mexican War “Manifest Destiny”
James Polk
Elected- 1844
1846

2. U.S. in 1845

4. Manifest Destiny US Adds Texas in 1845
US Agrees on Compromise to add Oregon in 1846
Got Oregon from Britain

5. What is going on with Texas?
Two times over the 9 years, Texas applied to the United States Congress of annexation (adding to the US) - both times Congress says NO
Some Congressmen did not want to anger Mexican officials who still regarded Texas as part of their country
Other Congressmen, did not want a large slave territory to be added to the US.

6. Border Dispute with Mexico
US says border is Rio Grande
Mexico says border is Nueces
Both sides warn the other to stay out!
US offers to buy CA and NM Territory for million dollars
Manifest Destiny- idea that it is meant to happen for the US to expand from ocean to ocean

7. CA and New Mexico Territory

9. Texas
In 1844 when James K. Polk was elected President - he believed it was God’s plan that America extend its territory from one ocean to the other.
After polk’s election, but before he took office, Congress reversed itself and voted to annex Texas.
In July 1845 he sent American troops under General Zachary Taylor into the disputed area of southern Texas.
He also sent John Slidell to Mexico City to try and buy California.
The combination of American troops at the Rio Grande and the attempt to buy a large part of their country angered the Mexican government.
Slidell was asked to leave Mexico City.
Polk felt as though American’s honor had been challenged
When word arrived on May 9, 1846 that Mexican soldiers had fired upon Americans on the “Texas side” of the Rio Grande, President Polk had a reason for going to war.

10. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Ends Mexican War- 1848
3 parts to treaty
Rio Grande is border
US gets CA and NM Territories for 15 million dollars (40% of Mexico’s land)
Mexico agrees TX is part of the US

11. United States in 1848 “Manifest Destiny” Complete!