Conflict in the Age of Expansion part II

The U.S. Mexico War 1846-1848

Causes of the War

• 1. Texas gains Independence from Mexico in 1836.-Texas Revolution

• 2. The U.S. agrees to annex or “take on” Texas in 1845.

• 3. The two countries disagree on where the southern border of Texas is- Rio Grande River or the Nueces River

• 4. Americans want Mexico’s land for different reasons- to spread slavery into the West, to expand U.S. territory across the continent.-Manifest Destiny

Results of the War- The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• 1. Mexico agrees to give up its claims to 1/3 of its territory in the North.- Mexican Cession

• 2. The U.S. buys the land for 15 million and forgives 3 million in debt Mexico owes to U.S. citizens.- we originally offered 50 million.

• 3. The U.S. gains California during the gold rush.

• 4. The Gadsden Purchase- 10 mill for southern Arizona for the railroad

Review Questions

• 1.What river did Mexico claim was the border? What river did the U.S. claim was the border?

• 2. What did Polk do after Mexico rejected his diplomatic offer?

• 3. Name at least one politician/official/public person that opposed the war.

• 4. What was the Wilmot Proviso? Popular sovereignty?