Mexican-American War to Gold Rush

What river did Mexico claim was the border between Texas and Mexico?

The Nueces River

What river did the United States claim was the border?

The Rio Grande

Who was sent to Mexico to resolve the border issue and attempt to purchase California and New Mexico?

John Slidell

What was the result of John Slidell's mission?

He was stalled by the Mexican government and unable to see any officials

Who was the American General sent to the Rio Grande by President Polk?

Zachary Taylor

What famous quote did James K. Polk use to ask Congress for a declaration of war?

"American blood has been shed on American soil. War exists by the act of Mexico itself"

What were the three main reasons given for the war with Mexico?

The Mexican government owed Texas 2 million dollars, Mexico crossed the Rio Grande, and the Alamo

Which congressman demanded proof of where the blood was shed before declaring war?

Abraham Lincoln

What were the two main advantages for Mexico in the war?

Knowledge of the land and more soldiers

What were the two main advantages for the United States?

Better generals and better artillery

Who led the first prong of the attack from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe?

Stephen Kearny

Who led the forces into California and established the "Bear Flag Republic"?

John C. Fremont

Who was the Navy officer who told Fremont to take down the Bear Flag and claim California as a state?

John Sloat

What was Zachary Taylor’s nickname?

Old Rough and Ready

Who was put in charge of the "Army of Occupation" to take Mexico City?

Winfield Scott

Where did Winfield Scott’s army land to begin their march to Mexico City?

Veracruz

Who found a way for the American army to get past the Sierra Gorda mountains?

Robert E. Lee

What was the name of the Mexican stronghold and army headquarters in Mexico City?

Chapultepec Castle

Who were the "Ninos Heroes"?

The nine young Mexican soldiers who stayed to defend Chapultepec Castle after everyone else fled

How many artillery shells did the Americans drop on Mexico during the siege of the castle?

6,700 (with 400 hitting the castle itself)

Who negotiated the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War?

Nicholas Trist

What was the name of the treaty that ended the war in 1847?

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

What were the five main terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The war ended, the official border became the Rio Grande, Mexico remained a country, the U.S. paid Mexico 15 million dollars, and the U.S. acquired several western states

Which states (or parts of states) did the U.S. acquire from the treaty?

California, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada

Who discovered gold at his ranching area, Sutter's Fort?

John Sutter

What were the people who traveled west for the gold rush in 1849 called?

The 49-ers

Who were the two men hired by the army to map out and design the Oregon Trail?

Kit Carson and Jim Bridger