Mexican-American War

By Pandora17

  • President Polk's orders

    President James Polk orders General Zachary Taylor to march to the east bank of the Rio Grande River from Nueces River, crossing into disputed territory.
  • Period: to

    Mexican War

  • The Battle of Palo Alto

    The Battle of Palo Alto was the first major conflict of the war. Though outnumbered, U.S. flying artillery wreak havoc on Mexican lines. The Mexicans withdraw with more than 200 casualties and 125 wounded. U.S. lost only 9 men and had 43 wounded.

  • Battle of Resaca de la Palma

    Battle of Resaca de la Palma: General Taylor attacks General Arista’s center, overrunning the Mexican artillery. Mexicans retreat across the Rio Grande with over 200 casualties vs. U.S.’s 39 deaths. The Siege of Fort Texas ends marking the beginning of active campaigning by the armies of U.S. and Mexico.

  • President Polk addresses Congress

    President Polk addresses congress upon which time U.S. congress declares war on Mexico.

  • Santa Anna lands in Mexico

    Santa Anna lands at Vera Cruz returning from exile again. Oddly, President Polk allowed Santa Anna through the U.S. blockade to enter Mexico.

  • The Battle of Monterrey

    The Battle of Monterrey commences when Taylor and 6,600 U.S. soldiers take control of the roads. Mexican General Pedro Ampudia and his 5,000 men are cut off from reinforcements.

    After 5 days of fighting, Taylor grants Ampudia’s request for parlay and the Mexican soldiers are allowed to leave. Polk was infuriated with Taylor for granting such generous surrender terms.

  • Commander and Chief

    President Polk appoints General Scott(Old Fuss and Feathers) to Commander in Chief of the army despite his personal hatred and political fear of the man. Scott decides on a second front, a naval landing at Vera Cruz.

  • Battle of Buena Vista

    Taylor was left with only 4,700 inexperienced volunteers . Santa Anna raised an army of 20,000 Mexicans and breaks through the U.S. lines by mid day. Taylor counterattacks and decimates Santa Anna’s cavalry. The 1st day of battle was thought to be won by Santa Anna. When the sun rose the next day Santa Anna and his men were gone giving the field to a much relieved General Taylor. Santa Anna claims victory but is seen as a coward.

  • Battle of Vera Cruz

    During the Battle of Vera Cruz General Scott ‘s men meet no resistance when they storm the beaches near Vera Cruz. The Mexicans locked themselves within the city hoping for help to arrive. Throughout this period Scott lands men and supplies while bombarding the town with cannon shell. Help never comes and Scott wins an easy victory as Vera Cruz’s citizens can take no more bombardment. Vera Cruz surrenders.

  • Battle of Cerro Gordo

    Though Santa Anna chooses an impressive location to defend, the Mexicans are outflanked and retreat in utter disarray.

  • Battle of Contreras and Churubusco

    After heavy fighting, Scott takes Contreras and Churubusco. Santa Anna loses 1/3rd of his men or roughly 10,000 men on the final day of battle, and he retreats to Mexico City.

  • Battle of Chapultepec

    General Winfield Scott takes Mexico City but attempts to leave Mexico with some honor. The gates are open but he does not enter immediately and agrees to a cease-fire from Santa Anna. However Santa Anna is unable to give up any lands as it is against the law and he would be scorned as a traitor once again if he did. The peace talks fall apart which were doomed from the onset. Severe rioting takes place for several days after the battle and the occupation of the capitol throws Mexico into sev

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed by both governments. 2nd in command at the State Department, Nicholas Trist is there to settle matters peacefully, however, Trist received a correspondence from James Buchanaan the day the talks were to commence stating that he was fired and that he should return to Washington immediately. He disobeyed and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed.

  • U.S. Senate ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

  • MN State Standard 9.4.4.18.2

    Analyze how the expansion of United States territory and redefinition of borders affected the relationship of the United States with other nations, provided land for settlement, and resulted in political conflict. (Expansion and Reform: 1792-1861)