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Polk’s War: The Mexican War (1846-1848)

Polk’s War: The Mexican War (1846-1848). US History: Spiconardi. Background. Mexico’s government never recognized Texas’ independence Mexico breaks off diplomatic relations with the United States James K. Polk elected president in 1844 Jacksonian Democrat Deep believer of Manifest Destiny

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Polk’s War: The Mexican War (1846-1848)

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  1. Polk’s War: The Mexican War (1846-1848) US History: Spiconardi

  2. Background • Mexico’s government never recognized Texas’ independence • Mexico breaks off diplomatic relations with the United States • James K. Polk elected president in 1844 • Jacksonian Democrat • Deep believer of Manifest Destiny • Control of Southwest & California would open trade opportunities with Asia • Pro-slavery

  3. Path to War • Polk encourages Texans to seize land up to the Rio Grande River • Mexico claims that the Nueces River is the border b/t US and Mexico • Polk offers forgiveness of loan and $30 million for the land in dispute • Mexico has no stability in government & cannot negotiate • Presidency changes 4 times alone in 1846 • Polk instigates war by sending Gen. Zachary Taylor to border w/o a single troop who spoke Spanish (talked in French) • After 3-week standoff Mexican troops attack US cavalry

  4. Path to War • Polk to Congress: Mexico “had passed the boundary of the United States, had invaded our territory and shed blood on American soil.”

  5. The War • First American war fought on foreign soil • Romantic Appeal • Media portrays this as a war of conquest in a far off exotic land • US wins all but one battle

  6. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo • US not only gets Texas border at the Rio Grand River, but also… • New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, parts of Colorado and Wyoming, and California (access to Pacific Ocean • MANIFEST DESTINTY COMPLETE – US A CONTINTENTAL NATION

  7. Divisions within the US • “Slave Power Conspiracy” • Racism • Wilmot Proviso • Read your assigned document and share with the pertinent info with your group

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