1. JOHN L. O’SULLIVAN 1845 New York journalist who coined the phrase “Manifest Destiny” Many Americans began to believe the US had a godly mission to spread its liberty, democracy and traditions to the Pacific Ocean.

2. JAMES K. POLK 1845–1849 President during the Mexican War. He favored expansion. Wanted Texas, New Mexico and California. He sent Zachary Taylor to the Rio Grande “ “ John C Fremont to California “ “ Stephen Kearney to New Mexico “ “ Winfield Scott to Mexico City

3. ZACHARY TAYLOR 1846 Taylor and 3000 American troops were sent to the Rio Grande. Mexico considered his advance an invasion Several Americans were killed- “American Blood on American soil” Won key victories at Palo Alto, Monterrey, and Buena Vista Future US President

4. War with Mexico cont. Mexican troops engaged in a skirmish with Taylor's forces in late April 1846. Mexican troops engaged in a skirmish with Taylor's forces in late April 1846. Several Americans were killed. Several Americans were killed. This was the excuse Polk had been waiting for. This was the excuse Polk had been waiting for. Expressing outrage at the loss of “American blood on American soil,” the President pushed for a declaration of war. Expressing outrage at the loss of “American blood on American soil,” the President pushed for a declaration of war.

5. Gen. Zachary Taylor Gen. Santa Anna * First battle of the war.

6. JOHN C. FREMONT 1846 Captain in the US Army who drove the Mexican Army out of California. Would run for US President and lose.

7. JOHN C FREMONT Meanwhile, an American expedition under the command of Captain John C. Frémont moved into California, under orders from President Polk. Meanwhile, an American expedition under the command of Captain John C. Frémont moved into California, under orders from President Polk. Before news of the war with Mexico even reached California, a group of American settlers took matters into their own hands. Before news of the war with Mexico even reached California, a group of American settlers took matters into their own hands.

8. WILLIAM IDE JUNE 14, 1846 He led American citizens on a revolt against Mexican citizens in California-Bear Flag Revolt

9. WILLIAM IDE Led by William B. Ide, these settlers launched a surprise attack on the town of Sonoma on June 14 and proclaimed the Republic of California. Led by William B. Ide, these settlers launched a surprise attack on the town of Sonoma on June 14 and proclaimed the Republic of California. BEAR FLAG REVOLT BEAR FLAG REVOLT Frémont quickly assumed control of the rebel forces and then drove the Mexican army out of northern California. Frémont quickly assumed control of the rebel forces and then drove the Mexican army out of northern California.

10. STEPHEN KEARNEY 1846 US General who crossed into New Mexico then California to meet up with Fremont. By January 1847, the US took control of all of New Mexico and California.

11. Stephen Kearny In July 1846, United States troops under General Stephen Kearny crossed into New Mexico. In July 1846, United States troops under General Stephen Kearny crossed into New Mexico. Meeting little resistance, American forces occupied Santa Fe by mid-August. Meeting little resistance, American forces occupied Santa Fe by mid-August. Kearny then took part of his army and marched west to California to join Frémont. Kearny then took part of his army and marched west to California to join Frémont. Together they defeated the Mexican army. Together they defeated the Mexican army. By January 1847 the United States had taken control of the territories of New Mexico and California. By January 1847 the United States had taken control of the territories of New Mexico and California.

12. SANTA ANNA 1822-1855 Mexican General who went to war against the US. His army lost to Winfield Scott in Mexico City ending the war.

13. WINFIELD SCOTT 1847 US General who marched his army into Mexico City and defeated Santa Anna’s 20,000 troops ending the war.

14. Winfield Scott Pressing for complete victory, Polk had sent forces under General Winfield Scott to take Mexico City. Pressing for complete victory, Polk had sent forces under General Winfield Scott to take Mexico City. In March 1847, Scott captured the port city of Veracruz. In March 1847, Scott captured the port city of Veracruz. Then he marched his army of 10,000 men toward Mexico City. Then he marched his army of 10,000 men toward Mexico City. After fierce fighting, Scott defeated Santa Anna's forces and captured the Mexican capital on September 14, bringing the war to an end. After fierce fighting, Scott defeated Santa Anna's forces and captured the Mexican capital on September 14, bringing the war to an end.