The U

Introduction to the U.S. - Mexican War in San Diego (1846-1847)

  • Limited historical focus on American conquest during the war.

  • Battle of San Pasqual is often mentioned, but not the societal division among Californios.

  • Majority of Mexican population fought valiantly against American occupation and temporarily recaptured San Diego.

U.S. Justification for War

  • War declared by Congress on May 11, 1846, following alleged Mexican attacks.

  • President Polk's justification: Mexican invasion and failure in boundary negotiations regarding Texas.

  • Manifest Destiny: Many Americans viewed war as necessary for expansion to the Pacific Ocean.

  • Economic interests in California's ports for trade, particularly with China.

Key Events of the War

  • July 9, 1846: Ca. Commodore John D. Sloat occupies Monterey, issues orders.

  • July 29, 1846: Americans capture San Diego, raise the American flag.

  • Americans initially portrayed the reception as friendly; however, internal divisions existed among Californios.

Division of the Californio Population

  • Some wealthy landholders supported American rule due to perceived economic benefits.

  • Others, feeling a strong attachment to their homeland, resisted the occupation.

  • Families often split loyalties; examples include the Carrillo family.

American Occupation of San Diego

  • July 29, 1846 - October 1846: Duration of American control in San Diego.

  • Elections held to ensure Californio support; pro-American officials elected.

  • Martial law issued: curfews and restrictions enforced.

Resistance and Recapture of San Diego

  • Mexicans successfully recaptured San Diego on October 4, 1846 after minor skirmishes.

  • Siege by Mexican troops lasted three weeks until Americans counterattacked.

  • Historical anecdotes illustrate the tension and conflict during the occupation, including individual accounts of both support and resistance.

The Siege of San Diego

  • Americans faced regular skirmishes and food shortages.

  • Local California figures like Don Juan Bandini and Miguel de Pedrorena played significant roles, often in opposition to each other.

  • Reinforcements arrived; siege continued until eventual Mexican retreat.

Battle of San Pasqual (December 6, 1846)

  • Major insult to American forces highlighted by intense Californio resistance.

  • Internally, divisions affected the organization of Californio forces.

  • The Americans faced logistical challenges and heavy casualties.

  • Californio victory marred by overall strategic retreat later on.

Aftermath of the War

  • The war led to a fragile division within Californio society between collaborators and resistors.

  • Adverse effects on local native populations depicted, showcasing neutrality and economic opportunism.

  • Pauma massacre illustrated internecine conflict, influenced by war’s chaos.

Conclusion

  • The U.S.-Mexican War heralded significant divisions, shaping Californio responses to American rule.

  • The complexities of loyalty and identity within Mexican communities were provoked by external pressures and internal strife.