The Mexican War

Disputed Southern border Land between Texas and Mexico that was claimed by both countries. When Texas was annexed by the United States that land was now claimed by the US. A major cause of the war.

President Polk President Polk believed that the United States of America’s true borders where the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Taking Western territories is our Manifest Destiny. He wanted war with Mexico.

Manifest Destiny The idea that expansion was not only good, it was bound to happen. The United States was going to be a Continental Power from coast to coast.

General Scott Landed with an army at Veracruz and battled inland toward Mexico City. Mexico City the Capital of Mexico fell to American forces ending the fighting.

General Taylor He attacked General Santa Anna’s army from South Texas, defeating Santa Anna and capturing Buena Vista.

Stephen Kearny President Polk War plan was to seize California and New Mexico. He ordered Colonel Stephen Kearny to take Santa Fe, New Mexico and march on California. He did it without firing a shot.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mexico had to recognize the Rio Grande River as the border between the two countries. Mexico agreed to give up the Mexican Cession for 15 million dollars. Mexicans living in the Mexican Cession were allowed to become US citizens.

Mexican Cession Mexican land sold to the United States of American after the Mexican War for 15 million dollars.

Bear Flag revolt A group of Anglo Americans lead by John C. Fremont rebelled against Mexican rule. Joining Colonel Kearny’s forces and drove the Mexican army out of California.

Gadsden Purchase In 1853 Mexico sold the USA a strip of land across the Southern border for 10 million dollars so we could build a rail road from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.