Who wants Texas anyway??

Mexico U.S.• Mexico still regards Texas as Mexican territory.

• 1803 – tried to claim Texas as part of Louisiana Purchase

• Tyler hoped to bring in Texas.• Large slaveholding population in Texas = certain to support slavery.

Tyler messes up…in pushing Texas annexation, he included a John C. Calhoun letter that defended slavery. This made it look as if annexation was simply a pro-slavery move.

James K Polk (Democratic Nominee) – promised to annex Texas & Oregon, and buy California from Mexico.

Whig party divided = democrats / Polk win

Election of 1844

1846 – Oregon treaty

54 40 or fight

1845 – Texas annexed at end of Tyler’s presidency.Mexico broke diplomatic relations

Disputed southwestern border:Mexico says Nueces RiverUS says Rio GrandePolk send Zachary Taylor to cross Nueces.US claims Mexican forcesattacked first:“American blood has beenspilled on America soil!”

So why war???

3 – part strategy

1) Taylor’s troops continue south.

2) Another force capture Santa Fe and continue West to take California backed up by US Navy.

3) Take Mexico City to force surrender.

To implement, called for 50,000 volunteers. 73,000 enlisted.

Kearny walks into Santa Fe unchallenged and moves toward CA.

Northern California – John C Fremont leads uprising and succeeds…”Bear Flag Revolt” = “Bear Flag Republic”Until US Navy shows up and claims CA for US.

Polk ousts General Taylor…potential war hero political rival…places G. Winfield Scott (Whig) in charge of taking Mexico City.

Santa Fe & California

Mexican Cession – 500,000 square milesMost of modern NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT

Rio Grande official border with Mexico.US paid Mexico 15 mil. , took over 3.25 mil.

in debts .

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

What next?