War for Texas Independence and the Mexican American War

Texas War for Independence

  • U.S. settlers allowed in Mexican Texas.

  • 1836: Mexican president threatened slavery, angering settlers.

  • Texas declared independence; battles: Alamo (loss) and San Jacinto (victory).

Causes of Mexican American War

  • Dispute over Texas border: U.S. (Rio Grande) vs. Mexico (Nueces River).

  • U.S. troops sent; Mexico attacked, starting the war.

Expansion Under President James K. Polk

Annexation of Texas

  • Texas leaders wanted U.S. inclusion post-independence.

  • Congress initially refused due to war fears and slavery issues.

  • Polk’s election led to Texas annexation.

Oregon Territory

  • Shared with Great Britain post-Treaty of 1818.

  • Polk advocated for U.S. control; slogan: "54-40 or Fight!"

  • Compromise with Britain: territory divided at 49th parallel.

Effects of the Mexican American War

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established peace.

  • Mexican Cession: 500,000 sq. miles ceded for $15 million.

  • Acquired land for future states: CA, UT, NV, AZ, NM, CO, WY, OK, KS.

Zachary Taylor and Gadsden Purchase

  • Taylor, a War Hero, nominated by Whig Party for President.

  • Gadsden Purchase (1853): 30,000 sq. miles for $10 million, settling Southern U.S. border.

Settlers Head West

Causes

  • Manifest Destiny encouraged U.S. expansion.

  • Abundance of land and resources.

  • Desire for religious freedom by some.

Effects

  • Native Americans displaced.

  • Growth of agriculture and transportation (e.g., transcontinental railroad).

Notable Groups

  • 49ers: California Gold Rush participants (1849).

  • Mormons: Settled Utah for religious freedom.

Means for Migration

Communication Development

  • Pony Express (1860-1861): Fast mail service.

  • Telegraph for long-distance communication.

Trails West

  • Santa Fe Trail: Trading route.

  • Oregon Trail: Fur traders, Gold Rush route.

  • Mormon Trail: Route to Utah.

Homestead Act

  • 1862: Settlers received 160 acres if they improved the land.

Transcontinental Railroad

  • Pacific Railway Act (1862): Loans and land for railroad construction connecting coasts.