Ch. 10.3: The Mexican-American War

Many Americans believed that the nation had a manifest destiny to claim new lands in the West. Manifest destiny = “obvious fate” –Americans had a right and duty to settle land all the way to the Pacific (spread democracy) 1840s-50s: manifest destiny tied to slavery –Slavery allowed to spread in new lands? –Pres. Tyler wanted to increase power of slave states by annex TX President John Tyler was a pro-slavery Whig. No one liked him.

Many Americans believed that the nation had a manifest destiny to claim new lands in the West. Acquiring New Territory President Polk quickly sets out to Annex Oregon and Texas. Election of 1844: Polk Defeats Clay Oregon Provide A port On Pacific For China trade “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!” 1846: Treaty w/Br. Divided land At 49 th parallel Texas June 1845: Texans Approve Annexation To U.S. Mexican govt. Angered Over “stolen Province”

Many Americans believed that the nation had a manifest destiny to claim new lands in the West. California Under Mexico 1821: After indep. From Spain, Mexico changed old Spanish policies toward California –1833: Mexican govt. ended mission system in California –Mission land given to wealthiest Californios –Vaqueros managed herds of cattle –Indians’ lives changed little after missions closed Hard physical labor on ranchos

Many Americans believed that the nation had a manifest destiny to claim new lands in the West. The Californios Californios felt little connection to the faraway Mexican government –Early 1820s: only about 3,200 Mexican colonists living in CA –Californios known for their hospitality –New American settlers caused tensions Called “Anglos” Anglos called for California independence

As a result of the Mexican-American war, the United States added territory in the Southwest. Conflict Breaks Out Mexico claimed border of TX was at Nueces River, but U.S. claimed border was at Rio Grande –June 1845: Polk sends Gen. Zachary Taylor to disputed region April 1846: clash with Mexican troops kills U.S. soldiers –Polk sent John Slidel to Mexico City to settle dispute Prepared to offer $30 million to Mexico for Calif. And Texas Mexican officials refused to meet with Slidel

As a result of the Mexican-American war, the United States added territory in the Southwest. War Begins While Americans debated the war, fighting proceded –U.S. army had better arms and equipment than Mex. 200,000 Americans joined army to fight –Whigs opposed war as unjustified and avoidable –Northern abolitionists opposed war fearing spread of slavery –Gen. Taylor wins battles in TX Gen. Kearny takes Santa Fe, NM Kearny moves on to CA Santa Anna returns to power in time to fight Gen. Taylor

As a result of the Mexican-American war, the United States added territory in the Southwest. Bear Flag Revolt June 14 to July 1846: a few Americans declared CA to be independent nation –Small group of Am. Took over town of Sonoma –Raised flag with a bear looking at a star U.S. forces take over CA in July This looks as much like a bear as the one in the original flag used by Anglos during the Bear Flag Revolt.

As a result of the Mexican-American war, the United States added territory in the Southwest. War’s End Feb. 1847: Battle of Buena Vista –Gen. Taylor v. Santa Anna –U.S. forces win after heavy fighting/casualties Polk puts Gen. Scott in charge –March 1847: Scott takes port of Vera Cruz –Sept. 1847: Mexico City falls to U.S. forces after intense fighting

American settlement in the Mexican Cession produced conflict and a blending of cultures. Agreements and Payments Feb. 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ended Mex.-Am. War. –Mexican Cession: land given to U.S. –Includes CA, NV, AZ, NM, WY, and CO –Increased size of U.S. by almost 25% –U.S. pays Mexico $15 mill for land, $3 mill in claims –U.S. agrees to protect rights of Spanish-speaking citizens 1853: Gadsden Purchase –U.S. pays $10 mill. –Ensure southern rail route on U.S. soil. –Set current border with Mexico Surge in American Settlers American newcomers struggled against long- time residents to control land and resources –New settlers ignored Mex. Legal concepts, like water rights –Whites battled w/Indians over property rights –Apache, Navajo attacked settlers and vice versa

American settlement in the Mexican Cession produced conflict and a blending of cultures. Cultural Encounters Despite conflicts, different cultures shaped one another in the Southwest –Laws printed in Spanish and English –Place names show Latino heritage San Diego Santa Fe Los Angeles –Mex./Indian knowledge shaped local economies Mining Ranching –Adobe was taken from the Anasazi and Pueblo indians Still used in Southwest today. Water Rights Water rights back East required free flow of water downstream. –Water scarce in the West. –Brigham Young established strict water rights code. –Good of community outweighs the interest of interest of individuals.