Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War

(1846-1848)

​What was the Mexican-American War?

​A territorial war between the United States and Mexico

​Causes of the Mexican-American War:

• Texas gained independence from Mexico

• Mexican government threatened war if annexed to US

• Manifest Destiny

• President Polk initiated fight after land discusses were unsuccessful

​ https://youtu.be/AHemd90ZdsU

Open Ended

Why do you think Manifest Destiny affected the relationship between the United States and Mexico? Do you agree with Manifest Destiny? Why or why not? (5 sentences)

​The War Begins...

​Timeline of Events

• April 1846: Mexican Cavalry attacked group of U.S. soldiers under the command of Zachary Taylor

  • Taylor called in reinforcements which led to U.S. victory

• May 1846: Congress declares war on Mexico

  • James K. Polk was president.

• Antonio Lopez Santa Anna makes deal with Polk to quickly end war.

  • Santa Anna double crosses Polk and takes control of Mexican army

• February 1847: Battle of Buena Vista

  • Santa Anna suffered heavy casualties

• General Winfield Scott led troops into Veracruz and took over.

Multiple Choice

Who was the president at the time of the Mexican-American War?

• James K. Polk

• Abraham Lincoln

• Jerry K. Polk

• George Washington

Drag and Drop

Place the events in order:​ ​ ​

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Texas declares independence

Mexican Army attacks U.S. Troops

General Taylor calls for reinforcements

Congress declares war

Santa Anna takes control of Mexican Army

Winfield Scott overtakes Veracruz

• General Scott marched toward Mexico City (capital)

• Various battles took place, but Mexican Army was unsuccessful

• Santa Anna resigned

• U.S. and Mexico discussed conditions of a treaty

​Timeline Continued

​ https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/zachary-taylor

​Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

• Rio Grande established as U.S. Mexican border

• Mexico recognized annexation of Texas

• Sold California and territory north of Rio Grande to U.S. for $15 million

​ https://www.pbs.org/video/the-mexican-american-war-dj8xiw/