cultures clash in the southwest the united states extends it’s territory
TRANSCRIPT
Mexican Independence
• Mexico won its independence from Spain on September 16, 1821.
• Almost immediately the new nation began to worry about its neighbor to the north, the United States.
• Why do you think Mexicans were worried?
American settlers move to Texas…
• At the time, Texas was still a part of Mexico.
• Stephen A. Austin led the first group of U.S. settlers to Texas in 1821.
• Mexico wanted settlers in the region so they could protect their borders.
• The U.S. settlers had to:1. Follow Mexican laws2. Become Mexican citizens3. Become Roman Catholics
Tensions Flare
• It did not take long for the settlers to outnumber the tejanos – Spanish-speaking residents of Texas.
• Many of the settlers refused to obey Mexico’s rules (anti-slavery laws).
• In 1830 Mexico banned U.S. immigration to Texas. Mexico was worried the U.S. settlers would try to make Texas a part of the United States.
Annexing Texas
• Most Texans wanted to join the United States. And many in the U.S. wanted to annex Texas.
• Annex: To add on or join
• Mexico warned that if Texas was annexed, it would declare war on the U.S.
• For nine years, Texas remained an independent state.
The Road to War
• By the mid 1840’s, many Americans wanted not only to annex Texas, but gain California and New Mexico as well.
• In 1845, Congress officially decided to annex Texas.
• Mexico was furious, but it did not declare war.
The Road to War
• By this time, most people living in Texas, California, and New Mexico were loyal to the U.S.
• The U.S. President, James Polk, thought Mexico might want to sell California and New Mexico. He offered $30 million. Mexico refused. It did not want to give up more land.
War Breaks Out
• Polk was determined to get this land from Mexico.
• In 1846, he sent troops to the Rio Grande, the disputed border.
• He knew this would start a war, but he was sure the U.S. would win.
War Breaks Out
• Sure enough, Mexican and American troops clashed at the disputed border (Thornton Affair).
• The two nations prepared for war in 1836.
Mexico had "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil." - Polk
Who Opposed the War?
• Republicans (Former Federalists) did not want war
• Northern states did not want war
Mexican American War
• U.S. forces attacked Mexico from three sides.
• They won battles at the Rio Grande, California, and Veracruz.
• They then marched on the capital, Mexico City.
Famous Generals & Leaders
• Robert E. Lee• Winfield Scott• Jefferson Davis• Ulysses S. Grant• Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson• Zachary Taylor• George Meade• George McClellan
Mexican American War
• At Mexico City, U.S. troops greatly outnumbered the Mexican defenders (still led by Santa Anna).
• Mexico’s last stronghold was at Chapultepec Castle.
• Here, Mexican cadets (soldiers in training – some as young as 13) fought bravely until all were killed.
• Mexico City was conquered in 1847.