The War With Mexico

1. The War With Mexico

2. Objectives • After today’s lesson, you will: • Describe the differences of opinion between the U.S. and Mexico in the 1840s • Examine perspectives of the war between the U.S. and Mexico.

3. Focus Question “Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States!” -PorfirioDiaz Explain what Diaz meant in a short, 2 to 3 sentence response

4. Role of James K. Polk • Made four promises in his campaign: • Lower the tariff rate • Annex Texas • Control the Oregon Country • “54o 40’ or Fight” • Purchase California • Succeeded in each • Only served one term

5. The War With Mexico Causes: • Border Dispute: • Where was the southern border of Texas?

6. Underlying Causes • National Pride • U.S. and Manifest Destiny • Mexico City as the capital of New Spain and the Aztec Empire

7. Underlying Causes (II) Texas • The Texas Revolt was a sore point • Mexico blamed the U.S. for the revolt • Never recognized an independent Texas • Many in U.S. supported the revolt • U.S. annexes Texas in 1845

8. Underlying Causes (III) Perspective • U.S. gained territory by purchasing it • U.S. wanted California • Mexico owed millions to U.S. banks • Mexican Independence long and costly • 10% of the population was killed • The nation was deeply in debt • Had one natural resource: Land • That land had too high a price

9. The War • Started with a skirmish between troops in the disputed territory • Polk used this skirmish as casus belli • Gained a declaration of war • War fought from 1846-1848

10. Summary • Summarize two things learned in class today.