History Unit 7 Section 3 The Mexican American War Flashcards
Who was James Polk
Ran in election of 1844 Campaigned on expansion "54° 40' or fight" was his campaign slogan, that's the line he wanted to reach Promises to add Texas and Oregon Defeats Clay in a landslide
What happened in Texan after their independence was recognized
President Sam Houston applied for statehood
Claims Mexican land as well
Congress denies this, fearing a large slave state
How did Polk compromise with GB
In Oregon, a line was drawn at 49th parallel
GB was too strong for the US to fight to wars simultaneously
What did Polk do involving the Mexican American war
Polk supported Texan land claims
Sent Gen Zachary Taylor
Congress declares war (May 1846)
How were leaders trained
American officers well trained at West Point
Robert E Lee, US Grant, William T Sherman
Civil war generals gain military experience
How were the Americans successful in the Mexican American war
Were better supplied and United
Win every major battle
Monterrey, Veracruz, Buena Vista
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
1848
Adds 525,000 sq. miles of Mexico to us
Us pays $15 million to Mexico
Land creates 7 states (AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT, WY)
