Slide 1

Aim: Was the United States justified in declaring war on Mexico in 1846?

Do Now: Imagine that China has just ordered its military to line up on our soil.

How should President Obama respond?

What caused the Mexican-American War

The annexation of Texas:

In the 1820s, Americans began moving into Texas looking for cheap land to farm.

American settlers brought slavery to Texas even though the 1824 Mexican constitution declared slavery illegal.

When the Mexican government tried to end slavery in Texas, the Texans started a war for independence. The US supported Texas by providing arms and supplies to the Texan rebels.By 1836, Texas gained its independence from Mexico. In that same year, Texas asked the US to annex it (add) as a State.

In 1845, Texas became the 28th state.Mexico reacted by cutting off all diplomatic relations with the U.S (talks and trade)

2. Border Dispute:

The U.S. government claims that the Rio Grande marks the southern border of Texas.The Mexican government rejects this idea and argues that the real border is the Nueces River

The Border is at the Rio Grande!

The Border is at the Nueces River!

The fighting starts....President Polk sent an official to negotiate with Mexico. The US wanted to:Come to an agreement on the border of TexasPurchase the California and New MexicoThe Mexican Government refused to speak with the American official sent by PolkPresident Polk felt offended and ordered American troops to occupy the Rio GrandeMexico saw this as an invasion and Mexican soldiers opened fire killing 9 American soldiers In 1846, President Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico.

6

Get into groups of 4

Close read your primary sourceAnnotate & summarize each paragraphComplete a SOAP

Task: Was the United States justified in declaring war on Mexico in 1846?

Was the United States justified in declaring war on Mexico in 1846? Justified Not justified

What do YOU think???

Was the United States justified in declaring war on Mexico in 1846?

Closure: