Download 13.4 Mexican War

The
Mexican
War
Why do you think America got
involved in a war with Mexico?
YANKEE DOODLE
They attacked our men upon our land
And crossed our river too, sir.
Now show them all with sword in hand
What Yankee boys can do, sir.
Pull one of the following topics from a hat…work in
small groups to get a BRIEF description.
Zachary Taylor US general at the Battle of Buena Vista
Winfield Scott US general who led troops against the Mexicans
Stephen Kearny US general who captured Santa FE
Bear Flag Republic nickname for the independent Republic of
California
John C. Fremont leader of Californian troops
Chapultepec fort near Mexico City, where US defeated
Mexican forces
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican war in 1848
Mexican Cession lands given up by Mexico under the terms of
the Treaty of GH
Gadsden Purchase strip of land purchased from Mexico in 1853
Section Review Questions
How did Mexicans influence American culture in the
Southwest?
They taught Americans new irrigation techniques and
mining skills.
What final incident caused President Polk to urge Congress
to declare war on Mexico?
American and Mexican troops clashed near the Rio Grande.
How was Texas admitted to the Union?
Congress passed a joint resolution accepting the annexation
treaty.
Section Review Questions
What did MOST Texans believe should be done to solve the
independent republic’s problems?
It should join the United States.
What did the United States acquire as a result of the
Mexican War?
California, New Mexico, Arizona
What was a Mexican law adopted by American settlers in
the Southwest?
Husbands and wives could own property jointly.
CAUSES
•United States annexes Texas
•Mexico refuses U.S. offer to buy California and New Mexico
for $30 million
•American and Mexican soldiers clash in disputed border area
MEXICAN WAR
EFFECTS
•Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo – ended war in 1848
•United States acquires vast new lands
•United States achieves dream of Manifest Destiny
•Influx of American settlers affects culture and laws of all
groups in the new lands
Before you leave…
History DOES repeat
Some Americans opposed the Mexican War,
but others wanted to annex all of Mexico.
120 years later, Americans were sharply
divided over the conflict in Vietnam. Some
thought the US was not aggressive enough.
Others believed we should not be involved at
all. Vietnam-era protesters frequently went to
jail, as did Thoreau more than 100 years
earlier for not paying taxes to support the
Mexican War.