1846-1848VUS.6B

United States vs. Mexico (Mexican War)

Time Frame of Events

Mexico wins independence from Spain 1821

Texas Revolution: 1835-1846

Texas annexed by the United States: 1845

Mexican War (United States vs. Mexico): 1846-1848

Causes

Mexico doesn’t recognize Texas independence.

Dispute of border between Texas (United States) and Mexico in the Southwest.

Current President of U.S. is James K. Polk. Promises to annex Texas

and Oregon as states.

Instigating a Fight

The United States government did not want to look as if we were the “bullies from the north” but at the same time we wanted to annex Texas.

We cross the Rio Grande and taunt the Mexicans and they fire the first shots.

Now we can “defend” ourselves….

Gaining Support

James K. Polk tries to get public support by proclaiming:

“American blood has been shed on American soil”

After a Mexican attack on American soldiers.

What are some ways that our recent Presidents have attempted to attain public support by appealing to our emotions?

Winning the War

General Zachary Taylor’s men defeat the Mexicans in their capital (Mexico City).

The war is ended when Mexico surrenders in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Your Objective…

With the person sitting beside you, identify two things in your notes: pg. 275

How did the dream of Manifest Destiny become realized by this treaty?

What did the United States receive, and what did they have to give to Mexico in return?

Check your notes….

The dream of Manifest Destiny was realized because the land given to the United States now stretches our land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

The United States received the land that is today: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.

The Rio Grande is now the southern border to Texas.

The United States paid Mexico 15 million $$