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Texas Independence
- The Texas Declaration of Independence is enacted, creating the Republic of Texas. This independent state is never officially recognized by Mexico.
The Republic of Texas, populated by American settlers, desires American annexation. The U.S. government will not officially recognize or annex Texas because of rising tensions overthe issue of slave states vs. free states.
- The Texas Declaration of Independence is enacted, creating the Republic of Texas. This independent state is never officially recognized by Mexico.
The Republic of Texas, populated by American settlers, desires American annexation. The U.S. government will not officially recognize or annex Texas because of rising tensions overthe issue of slave states vs. free states.
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Mexican American War
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TX Annexation
In one of the last acts of his presidency, John Tyler signs the congressional resolution offering to admit Texas to statehood. It is an event heralded by most Americans—particularly neighboring southerners. Mexico vehemently objects, cutting its diplomatic ties with the United States upon receiving the news. Texas formally accepts annexation in June. https://youtu.be/YLB5rH9eTBI -
James Polk takes office
James K. Polk, who advocated for the annexation of Texas and was a strong supporter of "Manifest Destiny," is elected as the 11th U.S. President. -
Slidell rejected by Mexico
Polk sends John Slidell to Mexico to propose a deal. America would pay Mexico $30 million for California and New Mexico in return for Mexico's acceptance of the Rio Grande as Texas' boundary. Mexican government refuses to discuss the offer and claims its intent to reclaim Texas for Mexico. -
Battle of Palo Alto
The first major conflict of the Mexican-American War, the Battle of Palo Alto (fought just north of modern-day Brownsville, Texas) ends indecisively. U.S. General Zachary Taylor loses 9 men and 43 more are wounded; over 200 Mexican soldiers are killed and over 125 wounded. Taylor claims U.S. victory.
https://youtu.be/ft3bIpOVoow -
Taylor crosses disputed border
Polk orders General Zachary Taylor to march his soldiers across the disputed borderland. Mexican soldiers attacked Taylor's force. Taylor sends report to Polk ."Hostilities may now be considered commenced." Polk uses report to ask Congress to declare war. As Polk wanted, this is an act of histility that caused the war. -
Congress declares war
Congress officially declares war on Mexico following Polk's word that "[Mexico] invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil." Thousands of U.S. men enthusiasticaly enlist to serve. -
Bear Flag Revolt
During the Bear Flag Revolt, from June to July 1846, a small group of American settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government and proclaimed California an independent republic. The republic was short-lived because soon after the Bear Flag was raised, the U.S. military began occupying California, which went on to join the union in 1850. The Bear Flag became the official state flag in 1911. -
Battle of Monterey
General Taylor’s army followed the Mexican troops to Monterey and fought to take control of this city. “The fighting was fierce. In the end, it came down to hand-to-hand combat in the city streets. But again, the American army was victorious.” -
California Annexation
Shortly after landing ships at San Francisco and Sonoma, California, U.S. Naval forces under Commodore John D. Sloat raise the American flag to claim the land for the United States, thus ending the brief duration of the Bear Flag Republic. -
Gen. Kearney takes Sante Fe
U.S. Colonel Stephen Watts Kearney, whose first mission was to occupy New Mexico, rode with troops into its capital, Sante Fé, and finding it deserted, easily took possession -
Battle of Mexico City
General Winfield Scott and troops arive in Mexico's capital city and fight their final battle against a wearied Mexican army. The victory and occupation of the city by the U.S. on Sept. 14 marks the unofficial end of the Mexican-American War. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ends the Mexican-American War. The Rio Grande River is established as the U.S.-Mexican border. Under the treaty, Mexico recognizes the U.S. annexation of Texas and agrees to sell 55% of its territory north of the Rio Grande including California. The exchange of land is known as the Mexican Cession.
EFFECT: https://prezi.com/iaqxhngdgayb/causes-and-effects-of-the-mexican-american-war-1846-1848/ -
Gadsden Purchase
The United States paid Mexico $10 million for a strip of land along the southern edge of present-day Arizona and New Mexico. With the Gadsden Purchase, the U.S. mainland reached its present day size.
