1. Mexican-American War

2. Adams-Onis Treaty 1819 Spain & U.S. sign treaty Gives Florida to U.S.
Sets U.S./Mexico border

3. Before the War
1819 – The U.S. and Spain determine Mexico-U.S. boundary
1821 – Mexican Independence
1823 – Mexico offered cheap land to Americans who wanted to settle in Texas

4. Annexation of Texas
Texas wins independence from Mexico, Texans voted to join the U.S. (1844)
Americans divided:
Another potential slave state
Could lead to war with Mexico
Mexican leader Santa Anna warned that Texas annexation would be “equivalent to a declaration of war against the Mexican Republic.”

6. Polk Wins, Texas Joins
In 1844, Polk (strong supporter of expansion) won the presidency
In 1845, Congress approved annexation

7. Steps to War July of 1845 – President Polk
orders General Zachary Taylor to
Texas

8. Why did the Mexican-American War begin?

9. Quick Source Read the quote: Who started the war?
Should we trust this source?

10. Document A
Source:
What’s the most important thing about the source? How might it influence what this source says?
Finish reading Document A
Answer questions 1-3 with your partner

11. Document B
Read Document B
Answer questions 4-9

12. What are your initial conclusions?
What are the differences between the accounts?
Which do you believe, and why?

13. Mexican-American War Begins
In 1846, American troops marched toward the Rio Grande
Mexican army kills several of the people they see as invaders
In 1846, Polk declares war on Mexico

14. Mexican-American War Key Events
June of California settlers write a Constitution and declare themselves a republic
Quickly declare themselves part of the U.S.
1847 – American troops occupy Mexico City

15. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848
United States got 500,000+ square miles of valuable territory
U.S. also emerged as a world power
America expanded to the Pacific

17. Final Qs 1. Why did the Mexican-American War begin?
2. How is Manifest Destiny related to the Mexican- American War?
3. One paragraph answer:
Overall, did Manifest Destiny primarily have a positive impact or a negative impact? Why? Use specific historical evidence to support your point.