Mexican War“Manifest Destiny”

1846

James Polk

Elected- 1844

U.S. in 1845

Manifest Destiny

• US Adds Texas in 1845

• US Agrees on Compromise to add Oregon in 1846

• Got Oregon from Britain

What is going on with Texas?

• Two times over the 9 years, Texas applied to the United States Congress of annexation (adding to the US) - both times Congress says NO

• Some Congressmen did not want to anger Mexican officials who still regarded Texas as part of their country

• Other Congressmen, did not want a large slave territory to be added to the US.

Border Dispute with Mexico

• US says border is Rio Grande

• Mexico says border is Nueces

• Both sides warn the other to stay out!

• US offers to buy CA and NM Territory for 20-25 million dollars

• Manifest Destiny- idea that it is meant to happen for the US to expand from ocean to ocean

CA and New Mexico Territory

Texas

• In 1844 when James K. Polk was elected President - he believed it was God’s plan that America extend its territory from one ocean to the other.

• After polk’s election, but before he took office, Congress reversed itself and voted to annex Texas.

• In July 1845 he sent American troops under General Zachary Taylor into the disputed area of southern Texas.

• He also sent John Slidell to Mexico City to try and buy California.

• The combination of American troops at the Rio Grande and the attempt to buy a large part of their country angered the Mexican government.

• Slidell was asked to leave Mexico City.

• Polk felt as though American’s honor had been challenged

• When word arrived on May 9, 1846 that Mexican soldiers had fired upon Americans on the “Texas side” of the Rio Grande, President Polk had a reason for going to war.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Ends Mexican War- 1848

• 3 parts to treaty1. Rio Grande is border

2. US gets CA and NM Territories for 15 million dollars (40% of Mexico’s land)

3. Mexico agrees TX is part of the US

United States in 1848“Manifest Destiny” Complete!