Mexican-American War (jan 1, 1845 – feb 2, 1848)

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In 1845, The United States of America annexed Texas, but there was a dispute over where the southern border rested. (see image 1) The US felt that the border was at the Rio Grande and Mexico thought that it was at the Nueces River. President James Polk sent John Slidell to negotiate the purchase of New Mexico and California, as well as to settle the disputed Texas border. Mexican President José Joaquín Herrera was aware of these intentions and refused to see Slidell. When Polk learned of this, he ordered the military to occupy the disputed territory between the Rio Grande and Nueces rivers. These troops were attacked, and Congress decided to declare war. The Whig party strongly disagreed with the war's ethical footing, the Democrat party supported the war, and this divide led to the worsening conflict of slavery or abolition. There was also the question of whether new states should be slave or free states. One notable protester, David Henry Thoreau, refused to pay taxes that would support the war effort. The former Mexican president and general Antonio López de Santa Anna contacted James Polk and asked to be taken to Mexico from his exile in Cuba in the name of peace. When this was arranged Santa Anna took control of the Mexican Forces. One body of American Troops occupied New Mexico and California, with minimal resistance. Another group of troops captured Monterrey and won a large battle in 1847. James Polk wanted more. He ordered an attack on Veracruz by sea and a march from there to Mexico City. Veracruz was captured and Mexico City was too in quick succession. For 15 million dollars, the US gained this territory in : (see image2)

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