Heimler's History: Mexican-American War

Overview

Texas Independence
- Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836.
- Tensions between Mexico and Texas cooled when Texas remained independent.
Annexation of Texas
- Texans wanted to be annexed by the U.S., which Mexico opposed.
- Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, and Tyler avoided annexation.
- James K. Polk, elected in 1845, promised the annexation of Texas.
- John Tyler initiated the annexation process before leaving office.
Disputed Territory
- Polk sent diplomat John Slidell to Mexico City:
  - Proposed purchasing New Mexico and California territories.
  - Attempted to settle the border dispute: U.S. claimed the Rio Grande; Mexico claimed the Nueces River.
- Slidell’s missions failed; Mexico refused both propositions.
Military Actions
- Polk sent General Zachary Taylor to advance to the Rio Grande.
- Clash with Mexican troops resulted in 11 American deaths.
- Polk used the incident to justify a war with Mexico.
- Congress declared war on May 13, 1846.

Territorial Gains
- Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848):
  - Established Rio Grande as the border.
  - Mexican Cession: Mexico ceded California and New Mexico for $15 million.
  - Mexico lost over half its territory.
Wilmot Proviso (1846)
- Proposed banning slavery in any territory gained from Mexico.
- Highlighted tensions over slavery.
- Although voted down, it signaled rising conflict leading to the Civil War.
Impact on Non-American Residents
- Mexicans in ceded territories granted U.S. citizenship.
- Indigenous peoples were not granted citizenship until the 1930s.
- Faced civil rights challenges, including voter discrimination and educational segregation.

Unit 5 Topic 3 of the AP U.S. History curriculum covers crucial aspects of the Mexican-American War.
Understanding these details is essential for performing well in exams.
Encouraged to subscribe for more educational content.