The War with MexicoU.S. History

Questions about TexasTensions between Mexico & the

U.S. grew under President Tyler.

He wanted to annex Texas. In 1844, he brought the issue to the Senate.

BUT Tyler accidentally included a letter from John C. Calhoun that contained a fierce defense of slavery.

Annexation was defeated 35 to 16.

Election of 1844Whig

Senator Henry Clay

Democrat James K. Polk

Governor of Tennessee He supported the annexation of both Texas and

Oregon He wanted to buy California from Mexico

Oregon“Fifty-four Forty or Fight”

Polk’s supporters believed the U.S. had the right to control all land south of 54*40’ north latitude

Oregon Treaty – American control of all land south of 49*

British navigational rights to the Columbia River

TexasDespite the Calhoun letter, Texas was later annexed

1845 - Resolution passed and Texas became 28th state

Mexico & the U.S. disputed the southern boundaries of Texas, claiming:Mexico – Nueces RiverU.S. – Rio Grande River

Leaders of the CountriesMexico - Jose HerreraUnited States - James K. Polk

Increased TensionAfter Texas, Polk still wanted to buy

California.In November 1845, he sent John Slidell as a

special envoy, or representative, to Mexico City.But Jose Herrera refused to sell the territory.

Zachary TaylorHerrera’s actions ended

any chance of a peaceful solution

Polk ordered Taylor to cross the Nueces RiverHe wanted Mexican

soldiers to fire the first shot

Mexico viewed this as an invasion & attacked on May 9

The War with Mexico1. Congressional Declaration of War (May 13,

1846)2. 3 pronged military attack

A. Zachary Taylor would move south over the Rio Grande

B. Colonel Kearny would capture Santa Fe then march to California with help from navy

C. U.S. troops would then advance to Mexico City

VolunteersFor the 3 pronged attack

to work, the U.S. needed to expand the army.

President Polk called for 50,000 volunteers.

Almost 73,000 enlisted.

CaliforniaBefore troops arrived, General John C.

Fremont led an uprising and overthrew Mexican officials

Once California became independent, it was renamed the Bear Flag Republic (June 14, 1846)

PEACEAfter the fall of Mexico City, Herrera

surrendered.Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (February 2,

1848) Mexico ceded, or gave up, more than 500,000 sq.

miles Rio Grande became the southern U.S. & Mexican

border U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and took $3.25 million

in debt

Manifest Destiny Complete