Why did tensions rise between American settlers and the Mexican government in Texas during the 1830s?

American settlers brought slaves despite Mexico outlawing slavery in 1830, and they outnumbered Mexican residents by 1835, leading to the Texas Revolt.

Texas Revolt (1835–36)

An armed rebellion by American settlers in Texas against Mexican rule; included the Battle of the Alamo and resulted in Texas declaring independence.

belief that the United States was divinely destined to expand across the continent to the Pacific Ocean, popularized by John O’Sullivan in 1845.

Why did Mexico oppose the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845?

Mexico never recognized Texas’s independence and viewed annexation as a provocation and an act of aggression.

What border dispute contributed to the start of the war?

The U.S. claimed the border was the Rio Grande; Mexico insisted it was the Nueces River, creating a disputed zone.

A skirmish in which Mexican troops attacked a U.S. patrol near the Rio Grande, killing 11 soldiers—used by Polk to justify a declaration of war.

What justification did President Polk give for declaring war on Mexico?

He claimed that "Mexico has invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil."

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

Mexican general and former president who deceived both Mexico and the U.S. during the war,

What was the significance of the Siege of Veracruz?

It was a brutal siege by General Scott, resulting in heavy civilian casualties and international condemnation, but it paved the way for a march to Mexico City.

How did Abraham Lincoln express opposition to the war?

He introduced the "spot resolution," questioning where exactly American blood had been shed to justify the war.

Essay by Henry David Thoreau arguing that citizens should not obey unjust laws; inspired future civil rights leaders.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)?

Mexico ceded much of the Southwest to the U.S., including California and Texas; the U.S. paid $15 million and assumed some Mexican debts.

failed 1846 proposal to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, highlighting growing sectional tensions.

What effect did the war have on Mexico?

Mexico lost nearly half its territory, faced major debts, and continued government instability.

A series of laws that admitted California as a free state, let New Mexico and Utah decide on slavery, ended the slave trade in D.C., and passed the Fugitive Slave Act.

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Mexican-American War

Question	Answer
Why did tensions rise between American settlers and the Mexican government in Texas during the 1830s?	American settlers brought slaves despite Mexico outlawing slavery in 1830, and they outnumbered Mexican residents by 1835, leading to the Texas Revolt.
Texas Revolt (1835–36)	An armed rebellion by American settlers in Texas against Mexican rule; included the Battle of the Alamo and resulted in Texas declaring independence.
Manifest Destiny	belief that the United States was divinely destined to expand across the continent to the Pacific Ocean, popularized by John O’Sullivan in 1845.
Why did Mexico oppose the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845?	Mexico never recognized Texas’s independence and viewed annexation as a provocation and an act of aggression.
What border dispute contributed to the start of the war?	The U.S. claimed the border was the Rio Grande; Mexico insisted it was the Nueces River, creating a disputed zone.
Thornton Affair	A skirmish in which Mexican troops attacked a U.S. patrol near the Rio Grande, killing 11 soldiers—used by Polk to justify a declaration of war.
What justification did President Polk give for declaring war on Mexico?	He claimed that "Mexico has invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil."
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna	Mexican general and former president who deceived both Mexico and the U.S. during the war,
What was the significance of the Siege of Veracruz?	It was a brutal siege by General Scott, resulting in heavy civilian casualties and international condemnation, but it paved the way for a march to Mexico City.
How did Abraham Lincoln express opposition to the war?	He introduced the "spot resolution," questioning where exactly American blood had been shed to justify the war.
Civil Disobedience	Essay by Henry David Thoreau arguing that citizens should not obey unjust laws; inspired future civil rights leaders.
What were the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)?	Mexico ceded much of the Southwest to the U.S., including California and Texas; the U.S. paid $15 million and assumed some Mexican debts.
Wilmot Proviso	failed 1846 proposal to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, highlighting growing sectional tensions.
What effect did the war have on Mexico?	Mexico lost nearly half its territory, faced major debts, and continued government instability.
Compromise of 1850	A series of laws that admitted California as a free state, let New Mexico and Utah decide on slavery, ended the slave trade in D.C., and passed the Fugitive Slave Act.

Created by: msavage1632

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