US HISTORY MEXICAN AMERICAN WAR

1836: Texas wins independence from Mexico and asks the USA to annex it

The issue is divisive: Democrats & southerners support it, expecting Texas to be a slave state or states

The WHIGS and northerners generally opposed it, shifting the balance of power to the south

Others worried annexation would invite war with Mexico

1843: Mexican leader Santa Anna warned annexation would be the equivalent to a declaration of war

Despite warning, President John Tyler signed a treaty with the Republic of Texas, to annex it

Polk wins presidency (1844) – Polk is an expansionist

December 1845, Texas becomes the 28^th state

Border disputes began: US claimed Rio Grande was official boundary, Mexico claimed the Nueces River

Polk wanted more than just Texas and offered 30 million for New Mexico and California, Mexico refused to even listen

Polk sends 3000 troops into the disputed area; Mexico considered this advance an invasion

1846: Mexico responds, several Americans were killed

This was the excuse Polk was waiting for "American blood on American soil."

Congress gives Polk his declaration of war with Mexico

Meanwhile an American expedition moves into California

American settlers rebelled against the Mexican Government in CA – "Bear Flag Revolt" – quickly assuming control of Northern California

1848: America "wins"

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: 1) Mexico gives up claim to Texas and recognizes Rio Grande as southern Border of Texas

2) Mexico gave New Mexico and California (2/5ths of its territory) to US

3) US pays Mexico 15 million

4) US agreed to pay claims made by US citizens against Mexico (3 million dollars)

5 years later Mexican government sells 30,000 square miles of what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona for 10 million