The Mexican War
-Primarily caused by the influence of "Manifest Destiny"/the crave for Westward expansion in Polk's administration
PRE- WAR:
-Polk upholds the view of manifest destiny and desire to expand in Mexican territory which led to conflicts and
tensions with Mexico.
-Tensions are additionally heightened when U.S annexed Texas and Mexico refused to sell California(Slidell Mission).
-These factors contributed to Polk's uprising anger and are leading causes of the war.
KEY FIGURES:
-James K. Polk-wants war with Mexico and instigates war by being in our way of economic expansion (manifest destiny) and is interfering with U.S growth. If it were not for Polk's actions/views the Americans would have not gained any land or prospered. Polk also bolstered nationalism throughout the country.
- In early 1846, General Polk sent an American force commanded by General Zachary Taylor to defend territory between the Neuces and Rio Grade Rivers.
- Veterans of the Mexican War like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, will play a major role in the Civil War.
Mexican War:
-War with Mexico for U.S to claim disputed territories (California) and settle boundaries.
Key figures:
-Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- military dictator that loses both the Texas war and the Mexican war. His actions cause Texas’ hatred and are responsible for losing Texas.
Importance:
-The Mexican war plays an essential role in our time period due to its forced political/ government action involving slavery creating further and increasing sectionalism - disputes over slave/free states (Wilmot Proviso--failed attempt-did not pass), (Compromise of 1850)
Sectionalism witnessed in war:
- Southerners mainly fought in war due to their extensive support in the expansion of the institution of slavery.
-Northerners did not participate in war since they do not support the expansion of slavery. (one sided fight)
What does this mean?
-Slavery issue cannot be ignored, Civil War appeared fast approaching.
-Through increasing tensions between North and South, the stage was set for the Civil War.
PRE- WAR:
-Polk upholds the view of manifest destiny and desire to expand in Mexican territory which led to conflicts and
tensions with Mexico.
-Tensions are additionally heightened when U.S annexed Texas and Mexico refused to sell California(Slidell Mission).
-These factors contributed to Polk's uprising anger and are leading causes of the war.
KEY FIGURES:
-James K. Polk-wants war with Mexico and instigates war by being in our way of economic expansion (manifest destiny) and is interfering with U.S growth. If it were not for Polk's actions/views the Americans would have not gained any land or prospered. Polk also bolstered nationalism throughout the country.
- In early 1846, General Polk sent an American force commanded by General Zachary Taylor to defend territory between the Neuces and Rio Grade Rivers.
- Veterans of the Mexican War like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, will play a major role in the Civil War.
Mexican War:
-War with Mexico for U.S to claim disputed territories (California) and settle boundaries.
Key figures:
-Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- military dictator that loses both the Texas war and the Mexican war. His actions cause Texas’ hatred and are responsible for losing Texas.
Importance:
-The Mexican war plays an essential role in our time period due to its forced political/ government action involving slavery creating further and increasing sectionalism - disputes over slave/free states (Wilmot Proviso--failed attempt-did not pass), (Compromise of 1850)
Sectionalism witnessed in war:
- Southerners mainly fought in war due to their extensive support in the expansion of the institution of slavery.
-Northerners did not participate in war since they do not support the expansion of slavery. (one sided fight)
What does this mean?
-Slavery issue cannot be ignored, Civil War appeared fast approaching.
-Through increasing tensions between North and South, the stage was set for the Civil War.