1. The Mexican War 1846 - 1848 14.3

2. Manifest Destiny! A widespread belief that the USA was destined to expand across the continent A widespread belief that the USA was destined to expand across the continent Encouraged Americans to move west & spread our culture Encouraged Americans to move west & spread our culture

3. President James K. Polk 1844 - 48 Expansionist Democrat. Expansionist Democrat. Wanted to spread the power of slave states Wanted to spread the power of slave states

4. 1845: Texas is Annexed by the USA USA & Mexico disagreed with the border. USA & Mexico disagreed with the border. Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to lead troops into disputed territory Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to lead troops into disputed territory Mexican forces kill 11 US soldiers Mexican forces kill 11 US soldiers

5. USA & Mexico Go to War! Polk instigated the war with Mexico to gain territory Polk instigated the war with Mexico to gain territory Abolitionists & critics of the Democratic Party saw it as an excuse to spread slavery Abolitionists & critics of the Democratic Party saw it as an excuse to spread slavery

6. General Zachary Taylor “Old Rough & Ready” “Old Rough & Ready” Won major battles, invaded Mexico Won major battles, invaded Mexico War made him a popular hero War made him a popular hero

8. Santa Anna Returns to Mexico USA got him out of exile so he could take over Mexico & sell us California & New Mex. USA got him out of exile so he could take over Mexico & sell us California & New Mex. Instead he took over & made war against us! Instead he took over & made war against us!

10. Gen. Stephen Kearney captures Santa Fe & helped Navy capture Los Angeles

11. Bear Flag Revolt White Californians revolted against Mexico during war. White Californians revolted against Mexico during war. Led by Major John Fremont & Kit Carson Led by Major John Fremont & Kit Carson California became its own country until end of war California became its own country until end of war

13. John C. Fremont Kit Carson

14. Fearing his growing Popularity, Polk Replaces Taylor with General Winfield Scott Scott invades Mexico at Veracruz Scott invades Mexico at Veracruz Captures Mexico City Captures Mexico City Mexico surrenders! Mexico surrenders!

20. Treaty of Guadeloupe-Hidalgo 1848 Ended the Mexican War Ended the Mexican War USA got Texas to the Rio Grande & paid 15 million for CA & NM USA got Texas to the Rio Grande & paid 15 million for CA & NM Gadsden Purchase (1853) completed the Continental map of USA Gadsden Purchase (1853) completed the Continental map of USA

23. Effect of the War 13,000 Americans & 6,000 Mexicans died 13,000 Americans & 6,000 Mexicans died Mexico lost 55% of its land Mexico lost 55% of its land 10,000 Mexican families now part of the USA 10,000 Mexican families now part of the USA New territories brought up slavery issue = led to Civil War New territories brought up slavery issue = led to Civil War