Texas:1- Part of Mexico a) Mexico had gained independence from Spain (1821) b) But few Mexicans wanted to move to Texas 1. It was Indian Territory c) So, the Mexican government invited Americans 1. To move to Texas 2. Convert to Catholicism 3. Become Mexican citizens d) Americans moved but no conversion/not citizens 1. So, Mexico closed its borders to Americans 2. And the conflict began

2- War was declared a) Between Americans and Mexicans b) Texas gained independence from Mexico c) Elected Sam Houston President d) Voted in favor of annexation (to make part of US) e) But Andrew Jackson said “No” 1. Did not want a costly war with Mexico 2. And there was the issue of slavery a. Free or slave state

3- James K. Polk a) U.S. President b) Expansionist – Advocate of Manifest Destiny c) Texas was annexed – part of USA d) Wanted California and New Mexico

4- Mexican-American War

a) Cause: 1. The border between Texas and U.S. 2. U.S. Rio Grande 3. But Mexico Nueces River 4. But really Manifest Destiny b) Effects: 1. U.S. gained lots of land

5- 1848 a) Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California b) Gold Rush and the Forty-Niners

Why is California called the Bear State? On June 14, 1846 A small band of settlers marched on the Mexican

garrison at Sonoma

Took the commandant prisoner Issued a proclamation which declared California to

be a Republic independent of Mexico This uprising became known as the Bear Flag

Revolt (after the hastily-designed flag depicting a grizzly bear and a five pointed star over a red bar and the words “California Republic.”)

The grizzly bear was a symbol of great strength The star made reference to the Lone Star of Texas The flag only flew until July 9, 1846 when it was

learned that Mexico and the United States were at war

Soon after, the Bear Flag was replaced with the American flag

It was adopted as the State Flag by the State Legislature in 1911