President Polk

2. 1. Explain how and why the United States avoided
another war with the British.
2. Describe the war with Mexico and its effects.
3. Summarize the territorial growth of the United
States under President Polk.
4. Compare President Andrew Jackson with General
Zachary Taylor.

3. American ProgressAmerican Progress
John Gast, 1872
Across the ContinentAcross the Continent
Currier & Ives, 1868

4.  11th
President
 Democrat from Tennessee
 Supports Manifest Destiny
The first U.S. President to not
seek a 2nd term died of
Cholera three months after
leaving office.

5.  Annexes Texas.
 Mexico breaks off relations with U.S.
 Next :
 Oregon Country
 Americans emigrating to Oregon.
 Claimed by Great Britain and the U.S.
Americans outnumber the British!
 Many Americans demanding
“54º40' or Fight!”

7.  49th
parallel - border of US &
Canada (British Claims).
 Polk agrees to the treaty
because he is interested in
Mexican land.49th parallel49th parallel
Why doesn’t President Polk
demand more (54º40' )?

8.  American settlers in
California declare themselves
the Republic of California.
 They drive the Mexican
military out of Alta California.
 Polk sends an “exploratory
expedition” of U.S. soldiers to
Santa Fe.
Purpose: to secure land
gains
Yeah,
we’re
exploring!

10.  U.S. – Claimed that the Rio Grande River is the border.
 Mexicans - Claimed that the Nueces River is the border.

11. President Polk attempts to purchase Alta California and Nuevo
Mexico from the Mexicans for $20-30 million.

12. 1. When Mexico refuses to sell Alta California & Nuevo
Mexico, Polk sends American troops south of the
Nueces River.
 Mexicans attack these patrols.
 War is declared.
Zachary TaylorZachary Taylor

13.  “We were sent to provoke a
fight, but it was essential that
Mexico should commence it.”
 “I was bitterly opposed to the
war, and to this day regard the
war…as one of the most unjust
ever waged by a stronger
against a weaker nation.
Lieutenant, Ulysses S. Grant

15. 11
22
33
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66

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25.  Zachary Taylor (Whig) a
national hero?
 Possible presidential
candidate?
Old Rough and Ready
Zachary Taylor (Right), an
emerging national hero, was made
in the mold of Andrew Jackson
(Left).

26.  Polk orders General Winfield Scott to take Mexico City.
200 ships & 10,000 troops
Winfield ScottWinfield Scott
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36. 1. Mexico ceded Alta
California & Nuevo Mexico.
2. Mexico acknowledges the
Rio Grande as the border
of Texas.
3. The U.S. gives Mexico $15
million for this land.
Santa Anna once again found
himself at the losing end of the
negotiations.

38. 1. President Polk gains more than
1 million2
miles of land.
2. Sectionalism intensifies
• ExpansionistsExpansionists – Want all of Mexico.
• NorthernersNortherners – Accuse Polk of
conspiring with Southerners.
1. United States and Mexican
relations are soured for
decades.

40.  Five years later - 1853
 Santa Anna sells 30,0002
miles
to the U.S. for $10 million.
 Provide a southern route for a
transcontinental railroad.
James GadsdenJames Gadsden

42. 1. Explain how and why the United States avoided
another war with the British.
2. Describe the war with Mexico and its effects.
3. Summarize the territorial growth of the United
States under President Polk.
4. Compare President Andrew Jackson with General
Zachary Taylor.