In 1844, President James K. Polkran on a Democratic platform that supported manifest destiny, the idea that Americans were predestined to occupy the entire North American continent. The last act of Polk's predecessor, John Tyler, had been to annex the Republic of Texas in 1845. Polk wanted to lay claim to California, New Mexico, and land near the disputed southern border of Texas. Mexico, however, was not so eager to let go of these territories.
Polk started out by trying to buy the land. He sent an American diplomat, John Slidell, to Mexico City to offer $30 million for it. But the Mexican government refused to even meet with Slidell. Polk grew frustrated. Determined to acquire the land, he sent American troops to Texas in January of 1846 to provoke the Mexicans into war.
When the Mexicans fired on American troops in April 25, 1846, Polk had the excuse he needed. He declared, "[Mexico] has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil," and sent the order for war to Congress on May 11.
The act was a questionable one. Many Northerners believed that Polk, a Southerner, was trying to gain land for the slaveholding South. Other Americans simply thought it was wrong to use war to take land from Mexico. Among those was Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant. Although during the war he expressed no reservations about it, he would later call the war "one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory."
Despite arguments over whether the war was right, Americans had tremendous success on the battlefield. Young officers like Grant and Robert E. Lee, who would later lead armies against one another in the Civil War, had their first combat experiences in Mexico. Generals Zachary Taylorand Winfield Scottwon a series of remarkable victories against the Mexican armies. This success was in spite of the fact that Mexican troops outnumbered the Americans in most cases. In September of 1847, after a masterful overland campaign, American troops under Scott captured Mexico's capital, Mexico City, and the fighting ended.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo sealed the American victory in 1848. In return for $15 million and the assumption of Mexican debts to Americans, Mexico gave up its hold over New Mexico and California. The enormous territory included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming. Mexico also agreed to finally relinquish all of Texas, including the disputed area along the border. The U.S. Congress approved the treaty on March 10.
Although the Mexican War had been won, the conflict over what to do with the vast amounts of territory gained from the war sparked further controversy in the U.S. The question over whether slavery would spread to these new territories would drive North and South even further apart.
Explore what happened when the small Mississippi town of Leland integrated its public schools in 1970. Told through the remembrances of students, teachers and parents, the film shows how the town – and America – were transformed.
Explore lo que sucedió cuando la pequeña ciudad de Leland en Misisipi integró sus escuelas públicas en 1970. Contada a través de los recuerdos de estudiantes, maestros y padres de familia, la película muestra cómo se transformaron la ciudad y el país.
The Busing Battlegroundviscerally captures the class tensions and racial violence that ensued when Black and white students in Boston were bused for the first time between neighborhoods to comply with a federal desegregation order.
Ulysses S. Grant's father made a living tanning leather. He married Hannah Simpson at age 27.
As an avid historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the Mexican-American War and the historical context surrounding it, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the events and key figures involved. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a genuine passion for the subject matter.
The Mexican-American War, a pivotal conflict in the mid-19th century, unfolded against the backdrop of President James K. Polk's fervent support for manifest destiny—the belief in America's destined expansion across the entire North American continent. Polk's pursuit of territorial gains led to the annexation of the Republic of Texas in 1845, setting the stage for further ambitions in California, New Mexico, and the disputed border region of Texas.
To secure these territories, Polk initially attempted diplomatic means, dispatching John Slidell to Mexico with a $30 million offer. However, when Mexico refused to negotiate, Polk, determined to acquire the land, resorted to military provocation. American troops were sent to Texas in January 1846, and when Mexican forces fired on them in April of the same year, Polk seized the opportunity to declare war, claiming Mexican aggression on American soil.
The war itself was controversial, with Northerners questioning Polk's motives and some, like Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant, later condemning it as one of the most unjust conflicts waged by a stronger nation against a weaker one. Grant, despite initially expressing no reservations, later reflected critically on the war's morality.
The conflict saw notable military figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, gaining their first combat experiences. Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott achieved remarkable victories against Mexican forces, culminating in the capture of Mexico City in September 1847.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, marked the end of the war. In exchange for $15 million and the assumption of Mexican debts, Mexico ceded vast territories, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. The acquisition of this vast territory fueled further controversy in the U.S., particularly regarding the expansion of slavery into these newly acquired regions, deepening the divide between North and South.
In summary, the Mexican-American War played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of American history, not only through territorial acquisitions but also by intensifying the debate over the spread of slavery—a debate that would ultimately contribute to the tensions leading up to the Civil War.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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