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The War of 1812
The United States declared war against Great Britain. This was because of three main issues. First the British economic block on France. Second the induction, against their will, of American seaman into the British Royal Navy. And lastly the British support of a unfriendly Native Tribe near the Great Lakes. -
The Missouri Compromise
As a result of the tension between slave states and free states Congress made a new law. This law made Missouri and the new territory a slave state while making Maine a free state. -
American Troops Captured Mexico City
President James K. Polk wanted to claim California, New Mexico, and the land near the border of Texas. In order to do so he sends John Slidell to Mexico City. The Mexican government refused to meet with him and so the President sent troops to the border in order to provoke them. This worked and the American side then won the war. -
Gold found in California
This discoverly was made by a carpenter from New Jersey named James Wilcon Marshall. This information was then spread locally in mid-march by Sam Brannan a local store keeper. When he went around town with a vial containing such gold. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was Signed
This event ended the war and more. It also gave $15 million and the assumption of American depts to the Mexican side. Mexico gave up New Mexico, California, and the area around the border of Texas. -
President James K. Polk Confirmed the Existence of Gold in California
He did this in his through his inaugural address. He stated " The accounts of abundance of goldare such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command belief were they not corroborated by the authentic reports of officers in public service." This event truly started the gold rush.
