Sights to See: The Mexican-American War
In 1846, President Polk instigated a war with Mexico in hopes of annexing Texas. The Mexican-American War, as it was called, started with President Polk's orders to General Zachary Taylor to be as close to the Mexican boarder as possible, and anyone crossing into American territory from Mexico would be interpreted as an act of war. President Polk's major concern while he was in office was expansion. Annexing Texas was first on his agenda. He was hoping for a little war just big enough to end with little costs, low casualties, negotiations and a treaty. After about a year of waiting, Polk got the war he had instigated, but at higher costs than he anticipated. There were thousands of casualties and it cost the United States around $100 million dollars. The Mexican-American War also divided political parties and the citizens of America. Mexico had a chance to negotiate peace, but they refused and insisted they keep fighting. Throughout the war, President Polk feared having any "war heros" so he frequently changed out Generals. Polk replaced General Taylor with Winfield Scott, who invaded Mexico City, and Mexico eventually surrendered in the September of 1847. Meanwhile, in 1846, General Kearny marched to Santa Fe, where the people accepted the American takeover. In California, American immigrants led a revolt, the Bear Flag Revolt, and they declared California to be an independent republic. However, US forces soon took control of this territory as well. In 1848, Mexico and the US officially ended the war. Mexico gave the United States control of Texas, New Mexico, and California. In 1853, President Pierce sent James Gadsden to Mexico City, where he bought southern New Mexico and Arizona for $10 million.
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Traveler Reviews
"This war was uncalled for. The Mexican nation was at peace, and President Polk instigated a war all for a claim to more territory. President Polk more or less ended up with what he wanted, but with high costs. Millions of dollars were spent, and thousands of lives were lost. I am a Congressman, and I feel this wasn't right." Abraham Lincoln
"I have had a great term in office. I have done much work to expand our great nation from the east coast all the way to the west. We have new citizens as a result of our newly acquired territories, and the nation is growing. Hopefully oneday soon the nation will be fully continental." President Polk
"I have had a great term in office. I have done much work to expand our great nation from the east coast all the way to the west. We have new citizens as a result of our newly acquired territories, and the nation is growing. Hopefully oneday soon the nation will be fully continental." President Polk
Photos from the Trip
Why Should You Visit?
The Mexican-American war settled territory disputes with Mexico. The United States gained Texas, along with several other territories. When the United States became a nation, it was made up of thirteen states along the east coast. By now, it had now expanded all the way across to the west coast, and all the newly gained territory was about to add dozens of new states.