US Mexican War

​Reading 3: Conflict with Mexico

Cornell Notes. Quarter Page. Write a summary, make two cues.

​Turn this in today. Field Trip tomorrow.

​The Spanish had set up missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity. These missions became large farming communities. After Mexico won independence from Spain California and New Mexico became states in Mexico.

​​Spainish Culture

The Spainish had kept Americans away, thinking they would take over areas under Spainish rule. Mexico encouraged settlement in New Mexico and California.

​​Open to Settlement

James K. Polk wanted California and New Mexico territories. Mexico refused to sell land. Polk began a plan for war. U.S. and Mexico disagreed on where Texas-Mexican border was located.​

​Motive

Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico to make a deal. U.S. offered $30 million for California and New Mexico if Mexican government would accept the Rio Grande as the Texas border. Mexico refused.

The Offer

Polk also sent general Taylor into the desputed area on the Rio Grande. Mexican government saw this as an invasion and sent troops to attack.

​​Zachary Taylor

​United States would drive out Mexican forces in Texas.

Take Texas

United States would take control of New Mexico and California.

​​Seize Lands

American forces would advance into Mexico and capture the capital city.

​​Capture Mexico City

President Polk directs General Winfield Scott and troops to attack Mexico City. US troops landed on the Mexican coast and fought Mexican troops all the way to Mexico City.

Invasion of Mexico

Defeated, Mexico's government signs the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Mexico gave up more than 500,000 square miles of territory in what is known as the Mexican Cession.

Peace Terms

Assignment 2 is due next week. Field Trip is tomorrow and no school Monday. You need to work on this TODAY!