Polking around

1. Explain how and why the United States avoided another war with the British.

2. Describe the war with Mexico and its effects.

3. Summarize the territorial growth of the United States under President Polk.

4. Compare President Andrew Jackson with General Zachary Taylor.

American ProgressAmerican ProgressJohn Gast, 1872

Across the ContinentAcross the ContinentCurrier & Ives, 1868

11th President

Democrat from Tennessee

Supports Manifest Destiny

The first U.S. President to not seek a 2nd term died of

Cholera three months after leaving office.

Annexes Texas. Mexico breaks off relations with U.S.

Next : Oregon Country

Americans emigrating to Oregon. Claimed by Great Britain and the U.S.Americans outnumber the British!

Many Americans demanding“54º40' or Fight!”

49th parallel - border of US & Canada (British Claims).

Polk agrees to the treaty because he is interested in Mexican land.49th parallel 49th parallel

Why doesn’t President Polk demand more (54º40' )?

American settlers in California declare themselves the Republic of California.

They drive the Mexican military out of Alta California.

Polk sends an “exploratory expedition” of U.S. soldiers to Santa Fe.Purpose: to secure land

gains

Yeah, we’re

exploring!

U.S. – Claimed that the Rio Grande River is the border.

Mexicans - Claimed that the Nueces River is the border.

President Polk attempts to purchase Alta California and Nuevo Mexico from the Mexicans for $20-30 million.

1. When Mexico refuses to sell Alta California & Nuevo Mexico, Polk sends American troops south of the Nueces River.

Mexicans attack these patrols.

War is declared.

Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor

“We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential that Mexico should commence it.”

“I was bitterly opposed to the war, and to this day regard the war…as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.

Lieutenant, Ulysses S. Grant

1122

33

4455

66

US US VICTORYVICTORY

MEXICAN MEXICAN VICTORYVICTORY

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Zachary Taylor (Whig) a national hero?

Possible presidential candidate?

Old Rough and Ready

Zachary Taylor (Right), an emerging national hero, was made

in the mold of Andrew Jackson (Left).

Polk orders General Winfield Scott to take Mexico City.200 ships & 10,000 troops

Winfield ScottWinfield Scott




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1. Mexico ceded Alta California & Nuevo Mexico.

2. Mexico acknowledges the Rio Grande as the border of Texas.

3. The U.S. gives Mexico $15 million for this land.

Santa Anna once again found himself at the losing end of the

negotiations.

1. President Polk gains more than 1 million2 miles of land.

2. Sectionalism intensifies• ExpansionistsExpansionists – Want all of Mexico.• Northerners Northerners – Accuse Polk of

conspiring with Southerners.

1. United States and Mexican relations are soured for decades.

Five years later - 1853

Santa Anna sells 30,0002 miles to the U.S. for $10 million.

Provide a southern route for a transcontinental railroad.

James GadsdenJames Gadsden

1. Explain how and why the United States avoided another war with the British.

2. Describe the war with Mexico and its effects.

3. Summarize the territorial growth of the United States under President Polk.

4. Compare President Andrew Jackson with General Zachary Taylor.

Polking around

Education

Transcript of Polking around