The Mexican War

Independence

May 14, 1836

Treaties of Velasco signed- The Republic of Texas becomes its own country.

Annexation

Dec 29, 1845

Texas became the 28th state of the United States of America.

Thornton Affair

Apr 25, 1846

American soldiers ambushed by Mexican forces, supposedly on American soil.

Palo Alto + Resaca de la Palma

May 8, 1846

First real battles of war, Gen. Zachary Taylor (future president) led Americans to victory in both battles, using strategy of "flying artillery"

WAR

May 13, 1846

Polk persuades Congress to declare war on Mexico.

Bear Flag Revolt

Jun 15, 1846

American citizens took Sonoma, declaring California's independence from Mexico.

Monterrey

Sep 21, 1846

Mexicans retreat to walled city, and Taylor wins again, after adjusting fighting style. 8-week truce angered Polk.

Buena Vista

Feb 23, 1847

Taylor ignored Polk, led 4,500 soldiers. Met Gen. Santa Anna in mountain pass, bloodiest battle of the war. Taylor was greatly outnumbered. Both sides claimed to win, though half as many American casualties as Mexican.

Veracruz

Mar 9, 1847

Arranged by new General Winfield Scott. First amphibious attack by U.S. Walls of Veracruz fell.

Cerro Gordo

Apr 18, 1847

Santa Anna blocked path, Scott greatly outnumbered, Robert E. Lee had an idea, another win for General Scott.

Chapultepec falls, Capital invaded

Sep 13, 1847

Met first 9 miles from city, then Santa Anna fell back to convent in Churubusco, then to Chapultepec Castle. Ninos heroes, particularly Juan Escutia, showed bravery.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Feb 2, 1848

Negotiated by Nicholas Trist and new Mexican pres. Manuel Pena y Pena. U.S. gets all of TX, with Rio Grande as border, plus CA, NM, NV, UT, most of AZ and CO, and parts of OK, KS, and WY, Mexico got $18 million (half of what Polk originally offered for the land)