Mexican War Flashcards
What were President Polk’s reasons for seeking a war with Mexico?
Unpaid claims and Mexico’s rejection of selling California
What event led to the formal declaration of war with Mexico?
Mexican troops attack on General Taylor
In 1846, what did Lincoln introduce, questioning the justification for the war and requesting the exact spot of the Mexican attack?
the Spot Resolutions
Spot Resolutions
Introduced by Lincoln 1846
Questioned the justification for the war and requested the exact spot of the Mexican attack
What was President Polk’s hope regarding the outcome of the war?
To end it with limited bloodshed and acquire California.
Who were the main generals and what were their operations during the Mexican War?
- Gen. Stephen W. Kearny led 1,700 to Santa Fe in 1846
- Cap. John C. Fremont collaborated with American Naval officers and local Americans
- Gen. Zachary Taylor fought across the Rio Grande with 4,000 men into Mexico and won over Mexicans and Buena Vista but he couldn’t win in northern Mexico; future president
- Gen. Winfield Scott was a hero from the war of 1812, battled his way to Mexico City; became Abe Lincoln’s 1st choice to lead the Union Army in the Civil War
What territory was ceded to the U.S. in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and who signed it?
Texas and California; Nicholas P. Trist
Why did some in Congress oppose the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
Anti-slavery Whigs initially opposed the war and expansionists wanted ALL of Mexico.
How did the Mexican War impact future Civil War generals?
It provided experience for officers like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.
What did the Mexican War mark in terms of U.S.-Latin America relations?
It marked a turning point in these relations.
In what way did the Mexican War bring back the slavery issue?
The opposition to the war included concerns about the expansion of slavery.
What was the Mexican War considered as?
The opening shots to the Civil War
