WAR WITH MEXICO SECTION THREE A THE

WAR WITH MEXICO SECTION THREE

A) THE NEW MEXICO TERRITORY

NEW MEXICO TERRITORY The New Mexico Territory was made up of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and inherited the territory. They welcomed American settlers to improve trade.

SANTA FE TRAIL Also in 1821, William Becknell traveled to the territory on the Santa Fe Trail which became a busy trail for settlers. Eventually, the U. S. began to look at the New Mexico Territory as worth taking!

B) CALIFORNIA’S SPANISH CULTURE

CALIFORNIA TERRITORY The first settlers of California were Spanish missionaries and explorers like Capt. Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipero Serra who built missions in the area.

CALIFORNIA MISSIONS By 1820, California had over 21 missions with over 20, 000 converts to Christianity. These individuals worked on mission farms and were often treated like slaves.

RANCHEROS In 1821, rancheros built ranchos similar to plantations, but with Native Americans working as slaves.

AMERICANS MOVE TO CALIFORNIA By the 1840’s, Americans began to move into California, including John C. Fremont, and the U. S. offered to buy California on several occasions. They wanted access to the Pacific Ocean.

C) CONFLICT BEGINS

DISPUTED BORDER President Polk wanted to take New Mexico, California, and Oregon to fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny. However, they didn’t want to start a war with Mexico. Instead they provoked the Mexicans.

JOHN SLIDELL John Slidell was sent to offer $30 million to Mexico if they would accept the Texas border deal. Mexico refused and said they would take Texas back. In 1845, Mexico still believed the annexation of Texas was illegal. They also had a dispute with the U. S. over the border. The U. S. said it was the Rio Grande and Mexico said it was the Nueces River.

GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR Gen. Zachary Taylor arrived in the area between the rivers to build a fort and was attacked by Mexican forces.

POLK ASKS FOR WAR On May 11, 1846, President Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico over the attack. The U. S. was divided over the war. Generally, the North opposed it and the South favored it.

POLK’S PLAN 1. To drive the Mexicans down south of the Rio Grande River. 2. The U. S. would take New Mexico and California. 3. U. S. would take Mexico City.

U. S. TROOPS MOVE SOUTH Gen. Taylor attacks and takes Matamoros, Monterrey, and Buena Vista which secured the border.

GEN. STEPHEN WATTS KEARNY In June of 1846, the Bear Flag Republic was formed in California with the help of Fremont and Kit Carson. This upset the Californios (native Mexicans). Gen. Kearny attacks and takes New Mexico and California securing the Western border.

COMMODORE JOHN SLOAT The U. S. Navy under the command of Commodore Sloat arrived annexed California to the United States. Again, to the dismay of the Californios who end up losing their land. By 1847, California was in full control of the U. S.

GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT In March of 1847, Gen. Scott lands in Veracruz (Mexican port) and marches toward Mexico City and captures the city forcing Mexico to surrender.

MEXICAN AMERICAN WAR The war cost over $100 million and over 13, 000 dead (11, 000 to disease).

TREATY OF GUADALUPEHIDALGO The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war officially in 1848. The U. S. got the Texas border, Texas, New Mexico, and California for $15 million.

GADSDEN PURCHASE In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase added a small strip of land to the deal. The U. S. was became the size it is present day.