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Stephen Austin and Texas Colony

• Stephen Austin led a group of American settlers into Texas, seeking independence from Spain.
• Settlers, mostly Protestant and slaveholders, conflicted with Mexican laws as Mexico had abolished slavery.

Texas War for Independence

• Texans declared independence from Mexico in 1836, creating the Republic of Texas.
• Santa Anna's forces laid siege to the Alamo; defenders fought for 12 days before being overrun.
• Inspired by the Alamo, Texan forces, led by Sam Houston, executed a surprise attack at San Jacinto, capturing Santa Anna and forcing a recognition of independence.

Annexation of Texas

• President James K. Polk, advocating for expansion, supported annexation of Texas and Oregon.
• Texas was admitted as a state in 1845.
• Polk negotiated with Britain to delineate Oregon Territory.

Mexican-American War

• Conflict arose over disputed lands; Polk claimed Mexico provoked the war by attacking American troops.
• Opposition from Northerners criticized the war as an attempt to expand slavery.

Military Campaigns

• General Zachary Taylor won critical battles, including Monterrey and Buena Vista.
• General Winfield Scott captured Veracruz, moving toward Mexico City; faced heavy resistance at Chapultepec.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War; Mexico recognized Texas sovereignty and ceded vast territories (Mexican Cession) to the U.S.
• U.S. paid $18 million to Mexico for the territories, including California and Nevada.

Gadsden Purchase

• In 1853, U.S. bought a narrow strip of land (present-day Arizona and New Mexico) for $10 million, further fulfilling Manifest Destiny.