Mexican American War

1. Mexican American War How did the revolution in Texas lead to war with Mexico? What issues led Anglo-Texans and Tejanos to seek independence from Mexico? What compromise did the United States and Britain reach regarding the Oregon Territory? 4. What advantages did the US have in the Mexican American War?

2. Settlers in Texas • Texas had rich soil and lots of unclaimed farm • Many American Settlers wanted to move there and start farms & plantations. • Mexico allowed American settlers to come as long as: • Agree to become Mexican citizens • Worship as Roman Catholic • Accept Mexican Constitution • Bann Slavery

3. Americans in Texas • Stephen F. Austin led many emigrants to Texas • They established the town of Austin • Raised corn, pigs, cattle, and cotton • Did not follow Mexico’s rules • Stayed protestant • Smuggled in slaves

4. Weak Mexican Government • Mexico’s government experienced many coups • 1834 General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna rose to power • Santa Anna favored centralized military run government • Texans disliked Santa Anna because they liked decentralized government like the United States

5. Revolt • 1835 Texans revolted against Mexican Rule • Took control of Mexican Garrisons at Goliad and San Antonio • 1836 Texans independence from Mexico “Lone Star Republic”

6. The Alamo • Santa Anna led an Army into Texas to crush the rebellion • He Attacked the Army Garrison The Alamo, in San Antonio • 12 days of fighting occurred until Santa Anna’s troops could get over the walls • Santa Anna ordered all the Texans inside to be executed

7. Remember The Alamo • Santa Anna hoped that the execution at The Alamo would scare the Texans into surrender • Most Texans declared the soldiers killed at The Alamo were martyrs and fought harder for independence • Texans attracted volunteers from the United States to help in their war

8. War Continues • Sam Houston led Santa Anna’s troops eastward into a trap • At the battle of San Jacinto Houston’s men killed 630 men and captured 730 • Santa Anna was among the captured • The Texans only faced 32 casualties

9. Texas Independence • Santa Anna feared that the Texans would have no mercy on him following The Alamo • He signed a Treaty giving Texas its Independence, and generous borders • The borders stretched to New Mexico’s capitol Santa Fe • Mexico refused to honor the boundaries since the treaty was forced by capture

10. Texas • Mexico only recognized Texas under its traditional boundaries • For 10 years following the war Texas and Mexico would battle over boundaries • Sam Houston was elected Texas’ first President • He quickly asked for annexation to the United States

11. North vs. South debate • The south wanted to annex Texas because it would be a large slave state which would give slave holding southern states more power in Congress • The North did not want Texas to be added because of the power it would give the south. Plus it was a slave state which went against their beliefs • Texas continued to try for statehood for 10 years following • Houston also claimed he would join the British Empire to scare the US into accepting them

12. James K. Polk Jacksonian Democrat supported by the south Slave holder Firm believer in manifest destiny Polk claimed that he would fight the British for Oregon so the North could have a non-slave state to off-set Texas Annexation Henry Clay Whig Opposed annexation of Texas Opposed slavery Election of 1844

13. Results • Northerners believed Polk regarding the Oregon Territory • Polk won with 50% of the popular vote & 62% of the Electoral vote

14. The Oregon Territory • Following the Election Polk made a compromise with Britain • Divided the Oregon Territory at the 49th parallel • United States got Washington, Idaho, and Oregon • Britain kept modern day British Columbia • Northern Congressmen declared the Administration only had Southern concerns on their minds • Polk, however wanted to fight Mexico not Britain

15. Mexican Disputes • The United States finally annexed Texas a month before Polk took office • Mexico was furious, and refused to recognize the annexation • General Zachary Taylor marched troops to the border between Mexico and Texas • In May 1846 Mexican troops attacked the Americans killing 11

16. War Declared • Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico following the attack on American troops • “We have tried every effort at reconciliation…but now, after reiterated menaces, Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and shed American blood up on the American soil.” –James K. Polk

17. Congress Dispute • South • Supported the War • North • Opposed the war • Though Polk deliberately provoked the war • Did not think Polk would settle for a big version of Texas thought they wanted New Mexico and California too • Agreed with the declaration of war because they saw what happened to the Federalist party when they opposed the War of 1812

18. The War • The United States had a supreme upper hand • Larger • Wealthier • More populated • Industry able to provide weapons and ammo • Well trained officers, army, and navy • The Mexicans were divided due to Santa Anna’s return to Power

19. Major victories • 1846 Stephen Kearny conquered New Mexico • U.S Navy took control of California • In 1847 Winfield Scott marched on Mexico City and Ended the Mexican American War

20. Treaty • 1848 The Treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo was signed • Forced Mexico to give up 1.2 million square miles