Mexican American War!!!

Battle of Vera Cruz:

-80 American Ships with artillery arrived at port -Santa Anna's troops never came to defend Vera Cruz because they were stationed in Mexico City still -Americans won Vera Cruz, upsetting because many civilians, both Mexican and foreigners died

What was the turning point of the Battle of Buena Vista?

-Americans received unexpected aid from Mexican politicians who were against Santa Anna's command -Mex. soldiers needed to head to Mexico's capital to fight inner rebellion (civil war) -American Victory

Who does Mexico choose to lead its army? Why was this such a surprising choice?

-Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. -Surprising because he was exiled from Mexico, was a dictator

Who is Winfield Scott and why is he sent to Mexico?

-Commanding General of the Army. -Polk thought that Taylor wasn't doing his job well enough, sent Scott for reinforcement, replacement

How did Polk increase tensions between America and Mexico?

-He sent American troops down to the Rio Grande, set up a fort there -tried to intimidate the Mexicans into getting what he wanted- didn't work

Why did Polk decide to attack Mexico City?

-Knew it was weak right now because of politics -wanted to keep going until Mexico gave up land

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

-Mexican government makes peace -Mexico recognizes Rio Grande as the new border -Mexico looses 1/3 of its territory -US gains 500,000 sq, ft. (CA,AZ,NM,NV,UT, parts of TX, WY, CO)

What was Taylor's goal after the war was over and what was his motivation?

-Run for president (independent) -Get back at Polk and Scott

What war trophy did the Americans find after the Battle of Cerro Gordo?

-Sanat Anna's wooden leg found in his carriage

What was the US plan for taking over northern Mexico? Did it go as planned?

-Talked to Mexican settlers, said that the US would protect them from Native Americas- formed a loose alliance -Same with the Native Americans- formed a loose alliance. -When moving towards California, US met some lancers along the way, attacked, US won

At what battle did the Americans have a special advantage, and what was that advantage?

-The Battle of Palo Alto -Flying artillery- horse drawn cannons which were quick and flexible and effective

Nicholas Trist and his difficulty with negotiating a treaty with Mexico:

-Trist was Polk's envoy -sent to negotiate with Mexican government a treaty, but had no one to really negotiate with, as Mexico's government was deteriorated -Polk was impatient with Trist, called Trist back to DC, Trist didn't listen and stayed- brink of a treaty

Battle of the Castillo de Chapultepec:

-Ultimate way to conquer Mexico City -Americans had to climb cliffs to get to the castle, encircled it -Santa Anna didn't send for any reinforcements, Mexican soldiers were left to defend it themselves, all died, defended it to the last moment -Americans won, Santa Anna withdrew

What was the major flaw in Santa Anna's plan in the Battle of Cerro Gordo and who found it?

-Westpoint graduate, Robert E. Lee, found mountain range that Santa Anna left unprotected -Santa Anna didn't listen to others' advice

Saint Patrick's Brigade:

-group of Irish soldiers fighting for Mexico, left America for various reasons -offended by America's anti-catholicism mentality -were promised land in Mexico if they fought -If they were not successful, they would get the death penalty, for betraying America -they lost, were all hung for betrayal

What was the political situation within Mexico during the war?

-turmoil -politics erupted

How are the Monroe Doctrine and manifest Destiny similar?

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How did the War effect America in the future politically, socially, and economically?

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Was the Mexican American War justifiable?

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What is American sentiment for the war after a year of fighting?

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What was the relationship like between Polk and Taylor?

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What was the Monroe Doctrine? How does it tie in with Manifest Destiny?

American continents are not to colonized by any other country,the US will not interfere with existing European colonies and will keep out of European affairs

When did the Mexican American war begin?

April 25, 1846

What does Scott think of Taylor?

Dislikes him greatly.

Who was the original general for the Americans? Describe him.

Gen. Zachary Taylor- "old rough and ready," was 62 years old

Who was the American President at the time?

James K. Polk (Democrat)

What did Polk believe in/ how did he justify wanting to expand America's borders?

Manifest Destiny- US has the right to expand land, chosen people of god

Why did Santa Anna feel he needed a victory over Taylor?

Mexicans accused Santa Anna of forming an alliance with US, rumors

How did Polk try to resolve the issue of the Texas- Mexican border? How did Mexico respond?

Rio Grande would be the border, offered 30 million for northern Mexico, Mexico was furious and refused

How did the Mexican leader trick the US government?

Santa Anna sent a letter to U.S. President James Polk in which he promised to sell New Mexico and California to the U.S. for 30 million dollars if he regained the presidency of Mexico. Polk believed him, and agreed to let Santa Anna leave Cuba through a naval blockade

Describe the controversy with the Texas- Mexican boarder.

The Mexicans wanted the Nueces River to be the boundary of Texas but the US wanted the Rio Grande to be the boarder