Mexican War (1846-48)• The issue is over where Mexico’s

northern boundary is located.–Nueces River (Mexico)– Rio Grande (U.S.)

• There is opposition in U.S. about going to war with MX–Whig Party wants to find a peaceful

negotiation for the territory–Northerners (any party) fear the spread

of slavery

Leadership

• Zachary Taylor is the American general

• Americans have better equipment than the MX but less men.– Recruits join in great numbers

throughout the war.

• The war will start in Sept ’46 along the Rio Grande

New Leadership

• Taylor is replaced after 4 successful campaigns by Winfield Scott– This is a political move by President

Polk (Taylor too much national attention)

– Scott is well respected by his men and also a fine leader.

Mexico City

• Scott will attack Vera Cruz (coast) and sets a trail to Mexico City (same route as Cortes, 1519).– Sept ’47 Mexico City is taken by

Americans

• Feb ’48 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the war.

Gadsden Purchase

• The land acquired in the Treaty of G-H is known as the Mexican Cession.

• The Purchase was made after the Treaty and set the current southern border of AZ and NM.

• U.S. wants the territory for future expansion with railroads in the region.

Bear Flag Republic

• A small group of Americans revolt against the local gov’t in June 1846 (San Fran area)

• Republic’s name comes from the flag that flew over it’s fortification.

• The Republic lasts less than two months• U.S. army arrives and replaces the republic as

Gen. Stockton claims all of Cali by Aug ‘46.

Territorial Dispute

• Britain and the U.S. were the only countries still in control of the Oregon Territory.

• Americans wanted the bordeer to be farther north into Canada “54-40 or Fight”

• War was avoided with the Oregon Treaty of ‘46

• Set the border of the current NW border of the U.S. today at the 49th Parallel.

Gold Rush• 80,000 people, mostly from the Eastern

U.S. go to California to seek gold–Most are unsuccessful but reports of wealth

keep people coming to the area.

• Creates a population boom of Americans and immigrants from around the world.– Chinese immigration is some of the largest

groups– All immigrant groups and Mexican groups

faced discrimination.

• Population boom allows California to become the 31st state in 1850.