1. War with Mexico An armed conflict between the United States and Mexico between 1846 and 1848. The conflict occurred due to a dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico. - The U.S. claimed the border was the Rio Grande. - Mexico claimed the border was the Nueces River. This created a disputed zone claimed by both countries.

2. War with Mexico President James Polk was very interested in gaining the Mexican land to the west. He offered Mexico $30 million, but was rejected. He needed a war, but didn’t have support from the public or Congress. What did he do? Polk sent General Zachary Taylor into the disputed territory. - The U.S. believed they were defending their land. - Mexico believed they were invaded. Polk Taylor

3. War with Mexico In response, Mexican General (and part-time president) Santa Anna sent troops to defend their land. He crossed the Rio Grande and attacked an American force, killing 11 U.S. soldiers. President Polk informed Congress that the U.S. had been “invaded” and “attacked” by Mexico. The incident was called the Thornton Affair. - Congress declared war 3 weeks later (May 13, 1846) Polk Taylor Santa Anna

4. War with Mexico The U.S. strategy had 3 major parts: 1. Capture northwest Mexico (aka SW U.S.) 2. Capture northeast Mexico 3. Capture Mexico city.

5. War with Mexico Part 1: U.S. Captain John Fremont and General Stephen Kearney captured California in the “Bear Flag Revolt”. Very few large battles. Kearney died shortly after the war. Fremont ran for President as a Republican, but lost to Buchanan. Fremont Kearny

6. War with Mexico Part 2: Zachary Taylor invaded northern Mexico. He was victorious in every major battle, including Monterrey and Buena Vista. The Battle of Buena Vista would create two presidents: Zachary Taylor and Jefferson Davis. Taylor Battle of Monterrey Battle of Buena Vista

7. War with Mexico Part 3: U.S. General Winfield Scott led his troops through Veracruz and captured Mexico City. Among his soldiers were Ulysses Grant, Robert E. Lee, George Meade, Thomas Jackson. Siege of Veracruz Capture of Mexico City Scott

8. War with Mexico Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo - Ended the war in 1848. - Gave the U.S. undisputed control of Texas. - Established the Rio Grande as the international border. - Gave the U.S. the land of Mexican Cession (includes present day states of California, Nevada, and Utah. Also parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming.) The U.S. paid $18 million for the land.

9. War with Mexico Results of the War - Mexico lost 55% of its land, but only 1% of its population. - Mexico had 9 different Presidents during this war. - Santa Anna served 6 years as President of Mexico: - May 16, 1833 – June 3, 1833 - June 18, 1833 – July 5, 1833 - October 27, 1833 – December 15, 1833 - April 24, 1834 – January 27, 1835 - March 20, 1839 – July 10, 1839 - October 10, 1841 – October 26, 1842 - March 4, 1843 – October 4, 1843 - June 4, 1844 – September 12, 1844 - March 21, 1847 – April 2, 1847 - May 20, 1847 – September 15, 1847 - April 20, 1853 – August 9, 1855

10. War with Mexico Results of the War - Mexico lost 55% of its land, but only 1% of its population. - Mexico had 9 different Presidents during this war. - One year after war, gold was found in California. - Classroom for Civil War. (Lee, Grant, Longstreet, Meade, Jackson, Burnside, McClellan). U.S. lost very few battles. - Gadsden Purchase - Manifest Destiny complete.