2. The Mexican American War
The Mexican American war was a result of:
Manifest Destiny
USA annexing Texas

3. James K. Polk
In 1844 James Polk became President of the USA because he promised to increase the size of the United States
The “dark horse” candidate from Tennessee wins the election of 1844 because he promised to fulfill Manifest Destiny.
Polk supported the Monroe Doctrine and warned European powers to avoid conflict with the Americans.
Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico to find a “diplomatic solution” to the Texas border issue.
Slidell offered MX $25 million for the California Territory.

4. Mexican Reaction
Mexican President, Mariano Parades refused to see Slidell.
He broke off diplomatic relations with the United States.
The proposed purchase of California did not end, many leaders in California wanted to join the U.S. as a new state.

5. Outbreak of War
In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande River and attacked a small American cavalry unit, killing a dozen American soldiers.
The American headlines read, “Mexicans kill American soldiers on American soil!”
On May 13th, US Congress declared war.
Many Americans in New England did not support the war. They saw the war as American aggression against a weaker neighbor.

7. Map
Polk moves General Zachary Taylor and 4000 troops to Corpus Christi
C. General Stephen Kearny is sent to California to rally them to revolt against Mexico
D. Mexico City – the capital. John Slidell was sent there to attempt diplomacy – but it failed
E. General Winfield Scott and 3 naval ships were sent to Gulf of Mexico just outside of the Mxn capital
B. After diplomacy fails, Taylor is moved just north of the Rio Grande

8. Polk’s War Strategy General Zachary Taylor invaded northern Mexico.
General Stephen Kearny traveled west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California.
General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City.

10. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The United States gained full title to Texas with the Rio Grande as the southern border.
US gets California Territory and the Santa Fe Territory (including present day Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, New Mexico and parts of Colorado).
The U.S. paid $15 million for California and Santa Fe and agreed to pay Mexican debts totaling 3.25 million dollars.
In 1853, the United States purchased the southern portion of New Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million dollars enabling the U.S. to have flat land for a connecting railroad.