The Mexican-American War

TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENTS

What was unusual about how the United States claimed the New Mexico Territory from Mexico?

• After battles that lasted more than two months, the U.S. finally claimed the New Mexico Territory.

• For unknown reasons, Santa Fe's Mexican governor decided not to fight, and the U.S. found the city unguarded.

TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENTS

What happened on June 14, 1846?

• American settlers took over the town of Sonoma and declared their independence from Mexico.

• Mexican settlers took over the town of Riverside declared their independence from Spain

TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENTS

What did they name their land?

• Arizona

• Nevada

• California

Why was their insurrection known as the Bear Flag Revolt?

• Because they hunted grizzly bears a lot.

• Because their flag featured a grizzly bear.

TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENTS

The settlers were not acting under orders of the U.S. government.

Within days, American forces took control of the area and claimed California for the U.S.

In August 1846, the U.S. Army captured Los Angeles

The following events describe how...

• Mexico regained control of California.

• California became part of the United States.

TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENTS

What resulted from the Mexican Army being busy in California and New Mexico?

• They left strategic Mexican cities vulnerable to attack.

• They were able to retake California and New Mexico from the United States.

INVADING MEXICO

How did Zachary Taylor gain control of northern Mexico?

• The U.S. Army surrounded the Mexican Army on all sides.

• Though the battle seemed to be an even fight, Santa Ana withdrew his troops.

INVADING MEXICO

How did the U.S. capture Veracruz?

• They bombed it from the air and land.

• They captured it with a three-week siege by sea.

INVADING MEXICO

What happened in September 1847?

• American troops gained control of Mexico City and raised the flag of the United States.

• Mexican troops kept control of Mexico City and forced the U.S. forces to retreat.

INVADING MEXICO

After Mexico surrendered and the war was over, what did American politicians disagree about?

• How to repay Mexico for damages and lost land.

• How to divide up the new conquered territory.