U.S-Mexican War Study

James K. Polk

President determined to fulfill America's destiny by acquiring land, specifically New Mexico and California.

U.S. Texas Annexation

The recognition of the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas by the U.S.

Nueces River

Mexico's argument for the Texas/Mexico border, claimed to be further north than the Rio Grande.

April 25th, 1846 Incident

Mexican soldiers fired on U.S. troops at the Rio Grande, resulting in the death of 16 American soldiers.

General Stephen Kearney

Led the U.S. Army through New Mexico and California, capturing New Mexico without firing a shot.

California Rebellion

A group of Californians launched a rebellion against Mexican rule, which U.S. troops joined to gain control of California.

General Zachary Taylor

Led the U.S. Army into central Mexico, participating in battles such as Monterrey and Buena Vista.

General Winfield Scott

Captured Veracruz and Chapultepec, leading to the U.S. capture of Mexico City in September 1847.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Ended the war with Mexico; Mexico recognized the U.S. border of Texas and ceded land for $15 million.

Mexican Cession

Region of land gained by the U.S. through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, including present

States from Mexican Cession

Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Wyoming.

James Gadsden

U.S. ambassador who arranged the purchase of additional land from Mexico in 1853 for $10 million.

1853 Land Purchase

Land purchased from Mexico to facilitate a railroad route through the Southwest.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Santa Anna

Mexican leader forced to surrender after the U.S. captured Mexico City.

U.S. Army's Strategy

Pushed the Mexican army back and invaded Mexico's capital city.

Polk's War Justification

Claimed Mexico invaded U.S. soil and shed American blood, leading to Congress declaring war.

U.S. Congress Reaction

Congress declared war on Mexico following the April 25th incident.

U.S. Control of California

Achieved within weeks through collaboration with local rebels against Mexican rule.

U.S. Payment to Mexico

$15 million paid to Mexico as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Polk's Land Acquisition Goals

To acquire California and New Mexico by purchase or force.

Border Dispute Origin

Started as a dispute over the Texas border between the U.S. and Mexico.

U.S. Military Campaigns

Included significant battles and movements led by Generals Taylor, Scott, and Kearney.