1. 8Y 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. had a booming population and economy. Needed more room for farms, ranches, businesses, and families.
Americans began to believe in manifest destiny – idea that God had destined Americans to conquer the west and spread Christianity and American culture. Mexico owned much of the land to the west of the U.S. U.S. western expansion will cause land disputes with Mexico.
James K. Polk (manifest destiny president) becomes president of the U.S. and wants to annex Texas, which Mexico thinks belongs to Mexico. IN December 1845, Texas officially becomes part of the United States.
Though California still belonged to Mexico, they did not feel connected to the Mexican government because it was so far away. Californios were very friendly and welcoming. Anglos felt welcomed and settled in California and started calling for CA independence from Mexico, causing tension.

4. Part II: Important Events/Battles/People of the War

5. Part III: The Effects