The Mexican American War

1. The Mexican American War

2. Why? The war was fought over Texas. America wanted to make it a state, but it was under the control of Mexico.

3. James Polk (who favored the expansion into the west) was elected as the president of the U.S. The important issue in his presidency was having Texas as a state. The previous president, John Tyler, thought Polk’s victory was support for Texas becoming a state. He got Congress to pass a join resolution (a decision that both the House and Senate make), to invite Texas into the U.S. Mexico was not happy about this, and cut off political ties with the U.S. Some think that Polk could have been more diplomatic with Mexico, and avoided a lot of conflict.

4. Mexico gave up California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It also resulted in the American Civil War. The small balance between free states, and slave states was in danger. Both were scared of losing political ground.

6. Timeline 1846 January 1, 1846 - President Polk orders General Zachary Taylor to march to the Rio Grande from the Nueces.April 25, 1846 - Thornton Affair  and the First Shots of the Mexican WarMay 3-9, 1846 - Siege of Fort Texas. May 8, 1846 - Battle of Palo Alto.May 9, 1846 - Battle of Resaca de la Palma. May, 1846 - President Polk addresses Congress, and Declaration of War. July 4, 1846 - Captain John C. Fremont proclaims the independence of California. July 7, 1846 - Navy Commodore John D. Sloat takes Monterey, California. July 8, 1846 - Sloat seizes Yerba Buena (modern San Fransisco). September 20-24, 1846 - Battle of MonterreyOctober 7, 1846 - Battle of Dominguez Rancho. November 16, 1846 - Battle of Natividad. December 6, 1846 - Battle of San Pasqual. December 25, 1846 - Battle of El Brazito. 1847 January 2, 1847 - Battle of Santa Clara. January 8, 1847 - Battle of Rio San Gabriel (Los Angeles). January 9, 1847 - Battle of La Mesa (Los Angeles). January 24, 1847 - Battle of La Canada. January 24, 1847 - Battle of Mora. January 29, 1847 - Battle of Embudo Pass. February 3-4, 1847 - Siege of Pueblo de Taos. February 23, 1847 - Battle of Buena Vista - General Taylor's 4,700 soldiers withstand the attack of Santa Anna's 20,000 Mexicans.February 28, 1847 - Battle of the Sacramento. March 9-29, 1847 - Siege of Vera Cruz. March 27, 1847 - General Winfield Scott captures Vera Cruz. April 18, 1847 - General Scott, with 800 men, drives 15,000 Mexicans from the pass of Cerro Gordo. June 6, 1847 - Affair at Las Vegas, New Mexico. August 19-20, 1847 - Battles of Contreras and Churubusco. September 8, 1847 - Battle of El Molino del Rey. September 13, 1847 - Battle of Chapultepec. September 13-15, 1847 - Battles for the City of Mexico. September 14, 1847 - American troops enter City of Mexico. September 14, 1847 - October 12, 1847 - Siege of Puebla. October 5, 1847 - Huamantla Affair. October 19, 1847 - Atlixco Affair. 1848 February 2, 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.

7. Sir: - It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the circumstances which led our being brought to this place as prisoners of war. Captain Thornton's command, consisting of fifty-two dragoons, left camp, as you know, at night on the 24th instant; it marched 15 miles and halted until daylight, when the march was again resumed. Captain Thornton's orders, as I understood them, were to ascertain if the enemy had s as dearly as possible if I could not secure good treatment, and accordingly I went forward and arranged with an officer that I should deliver myself and men as prisoners of war, to be treated with all the consideration to which such unfortunates are entitled by the rules of civilized warfare. I was taken to General Torrejon, who by this time had his whole force collected in the field. I found that some prisoners had already been taken; which, together with those I had and those which were subsequently brought in, amounted to 45 men, exclusive of Lieutenant Kane and myself. Four were wounded. I know nothing certain of the fate of Captain Thornton and Lieutenant Mason: the latter I did not see after the fight commenced. I am convinced they both died bravely. The former I know was unhorsed, and killed, as I learn, in single combat, Romano Falcon. Lieutenant Mason's spurs were seen, after the fight, in possession of the enemy. The brave Sergeant Tredo fell in the first charge. Sergeant Smith was unhorsed and killed. The bodies of seven men were found, including, as I believe, the two officers above mentioned. I was brought to Matamoras today about 4 o'clock, and I take pleasure in stating that since our surrender I and my brave companions in misfortune have been treated with uniform kindness and attention. It may soften the rigors of war for you to be informed fully of this fact. Lieutenant Kane and myself are living with General Ampudia: we lodge in his hotel, eat at his table, and his frank, agreeable manner and generous hospitality almost make us forget our captivity. General Arista received us in the most gracious manner; said that his nation had been regarded as barbarous, and that he wished to prove to us the contrary. Told Lieutenant Kane and myself that we should receive half pay, and our men should receive ample rations, and in lieu of it for today 25 cents a piece. On declining the boon on the part of Lieutenant Kane and myself, and a request that we might be permitted to send to camp for money, he said no; that he could not permit it; that he intended to supply all our wants himself. These promises have already been fulfilled in part. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. J. HARDEE,

8. Work Cited http://www.enotes.com/history/q-and-a/why-was-mexican-war-fought-288934 http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/prelude/jp_jp_and_the_mexican_war.html http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_were_the_long-term_effects_of_the_Mexican_American_War http://www.sonofthesouth.net/mexican-war/mexican-war-battles.htm