The War with Mexico

Polk Wants War

• During the Texas Revolution many tensions between people broke out.
• The main reason for the tensions was because of the annexation on Texas.
• Also James K. Polk wanted more land.

Leading into the War

• There were certain choices that were made that lead into the war.
• For example, when Santa Anna was kicked out of power.
• This angered Mexico giving them a reason to fight.
• Also, another choice was when John Slidell was sent to purchase California and New Mexico.

Supporting the War

• Many opportunities opened up while preparing for the war.
• For example, public celebrations broke out.
• Also, slavery could be expanded further South.

Abolitionists Thoughts

• There were mixed emotions during this war.
• The abolitionists had many different thoughts.
• James Lowell thought of the war as a "national crime"
• Also abolitionist was afraid of the expansion of slavery.

The Beginning of the War

• The war began at Rio Grande in 1845.
• Zachary Taylor was ordered to set up his troops here.
• Once the Mexican government discovered his army, they became very angry.
• This was the first battle of the War with Mexico.

Mexico Attacks

• Mexico sent soldiers to fight against Taylor.
• After this event Polk gets the US government to agree to war.
• This was the first war against a foreign group.

Events

• There were many events that happened during this war.
• One big event was the fall of New Mexico after the US won without a battle.
• This battle was led by Stephen Kearny, also known as the "Long Marcher"
• Santa Anna became president and took command.
• This led to an attack on Taylor's army but he was not defeated.

Results

• The US ended up winning the War with Mexico.
• Mexico lost 25,000 troops and America lost 13,000.
• The Mexican government and Santa Anna took the US for granted.
• The relations between the two took an increase.

Additions to America

• The increase of territory was 1/3 times as bigger as it was before.
• Also, America didn't have to worry about attacks from Mexico.
• And Mexico had to give New Mexico and California over to the US.

The GOld Rush

• A large amount of gold was discovered in California.
• This discovery was made by James Marshall.
• Once people in San Francisco heard about the gold, people started to travel.
• This discovery caused California's population to increase rapidly.

Facts about the War

• The people that were searching for gold were known as forty niners.
• The war didn't just start with the US and Mexico.
• Texas was having problems with Mexico as well.
• The higher-class Mexican people were asked to fight for the US.
• This was the first war the US has had with a foreign territory.

Important People

• James K. Polk- the one who called war on Mexico.
• Zachary Taylor- led the first attack on Mexico at the Rio Grande.
• Stephen Kearny- made a long march with his army, also known as the "Long Marcher"
• Santa Anna- the president of Mexico during the war.

Important Events

• The first battle between Zachary Taylor and the troops that were sent by Mexico.
• The Gold Rush in California because gold could be sold at a very high price.
• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo because this treaty ended the war.
• The Gadsden Purchase because it created a border between Mexico and the US.

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