1. The War with México
Chapter 7 Section 4

2. Election of 1844
Democrats choose James K. Polk as their candidate for president, Republicans – Henry Clay
Polk promised to annex Texas and Oregon Territory and buy California from Mexico
He promised to balance free and slave states

3. James K. Polk

4. Treaty of Oregon 1846
Oregon Question – fight over Oregon Country between U.S. and British
“Fifty-four Forty or Fight” – declared the U.S. should control all of Oregon below the line of 54 40’ north latitude
Avoiding confrontation with British, U.S. received all of Oregon south of 49 degree north latitude and west of Rocky Mtns, except tip of Vancouver Island

5. Annexation of Texas
President Tyler annexed Texas, adding Texas in 1845 to U.S.
Move outraged Mexico as it considered Texas part of its territory
Texas southern border in dispute
Mexico considered Nueces River as border
U.S. and Texans considered Rio Grande border (150 miles further south)

6. The War With Mexico
General Zachary Taylor crossed Nueces River, in Mexico’s view, invasion of its territory
May 9, 1846, Polk declares U.S. is at war with Mexico
War dubbed “Mr. Polk’s War”

7. Zachary Taylor, General & 12th President

8. The War With Mexico (cont.)
Plan was to cross Rio Grande while another force capture Santa Fe, N.M.
More troops would march west to control California, while U.S. forces would go to Mexico City and force Mexico to surrender
U.S. forces established formal occupation in September 1847

9. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Mexico’s Provisions
Ceded 500,000 sq. miles to U.S.
Accepted Rio Grande as Texas southern border
U.S. Provisions
Paid Mexico $15 million
Claimed $3.25 million in Mexican debt to American citizens