1. Polks Eyes On the Prize http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/biography.asp
Western Expansion
Polks Eyes On the Prize

2. James K. Polk 11th President of U.S. Elected in 1844 Democrat
Makes Texas 28th State
Firm believer in Westward Expansion
Slave holder

5. Oregon Territroy 1st Goal – sole possession of territory
Inaugural address “Our title to the whole of the Territory is clear and unquestionable.”
“Fifty-Four Forty or Fight” – refers to latitude
1846 – officially establish current boundaries

6. Border Dispute
Texas border unclear – Rio Grande River or Nueces River???
Mexican Government refutes American ambassador
General Zachary Taylor sent to Rio Grande – blockade
John Fremont leads expedition into CA – Violation of Mexico’s territorial rights

7. War Begins Mexico meets U.S. at Rio Grande Colonel Stephen Kearny
Skirmish at Matamoros
11 U.S. soldiers dead
U.S. declares War
Colonel Stephen Kearny
Marches west – takes NM – No shots fired
John Fremont
Established CA as Bear Flag Republic

9. US Controls Battlefield
War lasts about 1 year
American Generals:
Zachary Taylor
Winfield Scott
Ulysses S. Grant
Robert E. Lee
Major battles: Monterey CA, Veracruz, Mexico City, Buena Vista

12. Results of War 2/2/1848 – Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Rio Grande border
Mexico relinquished NM, CA, Nevada, Utah, AZ, CO, & Wyoming
Americans pay 15 Million $$$
1853 – Gadsden Purchase
10 million $$$
President Franklin Pierce