1. Texas and the War with Mexico

2. Learning through DBQ’s DBQ’s are “Document-Based Questions.” That means you must analyze a source and answer thought-provoking questions about it. First, I am going to give you very brief historical context regarding Texas and the Mexican- American War. Second, you will analyze 6 sources that will help you understand specific details and perspectives about Texas and the Mexican-American War.

3. Here’s what you need to know about Texas… Stephen Austin set up an American colony in Texas (owned by the new country of Mexico.) The condition was that they had to eventually become Mexican citizens.

4. Texas Most of the settlers had no intention of becoming citizens, so Mexico closed its borders to immigrants. Americans in Texas revolted because they wanted to be independent.

5. Texas The Alamo The Alamo: A small group of Texan soldiers defended the fort against Mexican soldiers. All of the soldiers died; even the ones who survived were executed, under General Santa Anna’s orders. This fueled Texas rage.

6. Texas Texans captured General Santa Anna. In exchange for his freedom, he ordered his troops to leave Texas. Texas gained their independence! But Mexico was not really ready to accept that…

7. Texas Texas was independent for 10 years until the US finally annexed them (made them a part of the country.)

8. Here’s what you need to know about the Mexican-American War It was Polk’s goal as president to spread the US’s borders from ocean to ocean. He offered to buy the remaining land from Mexico, but they refused. The US also wanted to adopt Texas as a state, which angered Mexico, and brought them close to war.

9. Mexican American War Also, both Texas and Mexico claimed the land between the Rio Grande River and the Nueces River. Polk sent troops to claim this disputed area, to support Texas (who was not yet a state.) The Mexican Army attacks the troops. The war starts soon after.

10. Mexican American War The US defeated Mexico and gained their land, thus spreading the country from ocean to ocean and fulfilling Manifest Destiny.

11. Alamo Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd1L2fvHciA

12. In Summary… What happened at the Alamo? o A small group of Texan soldiers defending the Alamo were all killed by the Mexican army. Even the ones who surrendered were executed, on Santa Anna’s orders. This angered Texans and fueled their desire for independence. What did Polk promise to do if he became president? o He promised to spread the borders of the country from ocean to ocean. What are two different reasons that Polk could have had for sending troops into the Rio Grande? o On one hand, he could have sent them there to claim the land for Texas because they believed it was rightfully theirs. On the other hand, Polk wanted to go to war with Mexico because he wanted their land. He could have sent troops to the disputed area knowing they would be attacked, Americans would become angered and want to go to war.

13. Acquisition Texas Annexation – Originally was a part of Mexico – 1845 Oregon Country – From Britain – 1846 Mexican Cession – From Mexico – 1848