1. 8X Monday CA Gold Rush
Objective: Describe the causes, events, and results of the Mexican American War and the California Gold Rush.
Agenda:
Prayer
Do now: Why did the United States declare war on Mexico? (Chapter 11.3 page 357)
Read and take notes on chapter 11.3
Homework: Finish 11.3 Section Summary Questions and Vocabulary Builder (first 3 pages of the packet from last week)

2. Why did the United States declare war on Mexico. (Chapter 11
Why did the United States declare war on Mexico? (Chapter 11.3 page 357)
The U.S. declared war on Mexico because of their border dispute. Mexico believed that their border with the United States was the Nueces River. The United States claimed that it was further south, the Rio Grande River. President Polk sent troops to the Rio Grande. Mexico considered this as part of their territory so they attacked the American troops. Polk then asked Congress to declare war on Mexico. There were already tensions between the U.S. because of Texas and California independence.

3. Chapter 11.3 The Mexican-American War
Part I: Causes
By the 1840s, the U.S. economy and population had boomed so much that there was little room for farms, lands, businesses, and families. They started looking west for more land.
They also started believing in manifest destiny – the idea that God had destined Americans to conquer the west to spread Christianity and American culture.
James K. Polk became the U.S. President in 1844 and wanted to annex Texas into the United States. This increased tensions between Mexico and the U.S. because Mexico considers Texas as part of Mexico. Texas officially became part of the U.S. on December This angered Mexicans who considered Texas as stolen property.
Even though California belonged to Mexico, they did not feel very connected to Mexico because it was so far away. Californios were also very welcoming. Anglos (U.S. settlers) came into California and began calling for CA independence from Mexico.
Mexico thinks the U.S. – Mexico border is the Nueces River. The U.S. thinks it’s the Rio Grande River. President Polk sends troops to the Rio Grande and tries to buy New Mexico and CA from Mexico. Mexico refuses and sends troops to the Rio Grande. A deadly battle ensues. U.S. Congress declares war.

4. Part II: Main events/battles/people

5. Part III: Effects