Completing America’s Manifest Destiny

1846-8

The Mexican American War

Dark HorseElection of 1844Unfinished business after the joint annexation

of Texas and Oregon.Mexico’s condition in 1844. Reasons for interest in Mexican lands?

James K. Polk

The land callsThe land possessed

great promise.Texas revealed its

significance.Mexico was afraid

expansion would continue South into Mexico itself.

It wasn’t just about MexicoUte Warrior The land was rich in

its tribal diversity of Native Americans.

The wars courseThe propaganda

machine in US newspapers had been in high gear since the days of Texas.

TexasTyler annexes Texas

shortly after Polk’s platform calling for its annexation is successful in the general election of 1844.Polk’s inaugural message to Mexico City and London was clear. The US was pursuing expansionist desires.

Pursuing Peace and WarSlidell MissionSent to Mexico to

buy lands for 30,000,000.

Refused to even be seen.

Taylor sent to the Nueces River in Texas (Southern border with Mexic0) with 4,000 men.

War breaks out!Mexico responded to

Taylors aggressive stance.

Killing or wounding 16 capturing the rest of the party.

“Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and ,shed American blood upon American soil….war exists”

“Mr. Polk’s War”War’s popularityPolk’s work ethicMexico would sue for

peace after several key victories

US would keep occupied lands.

The Call to Arms

US Army stood at 7400 prior…Polk’s call for volunteers garnered 112,000!

Taylor gets key victories, Kearny wins without firing a shot!Taylor takes Palo

Alto and Resaca de la Palma.

Kearny takes Santa Fe ad Monterrey

Also captured San Diego and Los Angeles.

War endsTaylor pummels Santa

Anna at Buena Vista. The amphibious landing at

Veracruz. The victory was a stunning

success. Winfield Scott wrote Polk “Mexico no longer has an army”.

Short lived statement. Santa Anna rallies for one final defense of Mexico City with 30,000 men, the city would soon be captured.

Guadalupe-Hidalgo

The Civil War begins…What to do with

Mexico?Northern and

Southern perspectives emerge.

Wilmot Proviso…