Cultures Clash in the SouthwestThe United States Extends it’s Territory

Mexican Independence

• Mexico won its independence from Spain on September 16, 1821.

• Almost immediately the new nation began to worry about its neighbor to the north, the United States.

• Why do you think Mexicans were worried?

Mexico and the U.S.: 1821

American settlers move to Texas…

• At the time, Texas was still a part of Mexico.

• Stephen A. Austin led the first group of U.S. settlers to Texas in 1821.

• Mexico wanted settlers in the region so they could protect their borders.

• The U.S. settlers had to:1. Follow Mexican laws2. Become Mexican citizens3. Become Roman Catholics

Tensions Flare

• It did not take long for the settlers to outnumber the tejanos – Spanish-speaking residents of Texas.

• Many of the settlers refused to obey Mexico’s rules (anti-slavery laws).

• In 1830 Mexico banned U.S. immigration to Texas. Mexico was worried the U.S. settlers would try to make Texas a part of the United States.

Annexing Texas

• Most Texans wanted to join the United States. And many in the U.S. wanted to annex Texas.

• Annex: To add on or join

• Mexico warned that if Texas was annexed, it would declare war on the U.S.

• For nine years, Texas remained an independent state.

The Road to War

• By the mid 1840’s, many Americans wanted not only to annex Texas, but gain California and New Mexico as well.

• In 1845, Congress officially decided to annex Texas.

• Mexico was furious, but it did not declare war.

The Road to War

• By this time, most people living in Texas, California, and New Mexico were loyal to the U.S.

• The U.S. President, James Polk, thought Mexico might want to sell California and New Mexico. He offered $30 million. Mexico refused. It did not want to give up more land.

War Breaks Out

• Polk was determined to get this land from Mexico.

• In 1846, he sent troops to the Rio Grande, the disputed border.

• He knew this would start a war, but he was sure the U.S. would win.

War Breaks Out

• Sure enough, Mexican and American troops clashed at the disputed border (Thornton Affair).

• The two nations prepared for war in 1836.

Mexico had "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil." - Polk

Who Opposed the War?

• Republicans (Former Federalists) did not want war

• Northern states did not want war

Mexican American War

• U.S. forces attacked Mexico from three sides.

• They won battles at the Rio Grande, California, and Veracruz.

• They then marched on the capital, Mexico City.

Famous Generals & Leaders

• Robert E. Lee• Winfield Scott• Jefferson Davis• Ulysses S. Grant• Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson• Zachary Taylor• George Meade• George McClellan

Mexican American War

• At Mexico City, U.S. troops greatly outnumbered the Mexican defenders (still led by Santa Anna).

• Mexico’s last stronghold was at Chapultepec Castle.

• Here, Mexican cadets (soldiers in training – some as young as 13) fought bravely until all were killed.

• Mexico City was conquered in 1847.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• This peace treaty ended the war in 1848 and gave the United States almost half of Mexico’s land. We paid $15 million. (less than ½ original offer)

• This land was called the Mexican Cession.

• Not long after, California and New Mexico became states.