Mexican-American War

Texas declares independence from Mexico

Mar 2, 1836

Texas becomes an independent nation

Apr 21, 1836

John L. O'Sullivan published his paper on Manifest Destiny

Nov 1, 1839

Mexican General Santa Anna threatens U.S. with war if Texas is annexed

Aug 1, 1843

54-40 or Fight

Jan 1, 1844

U.S. Congress passes bill for annexation of Texas

Feb 28, 1845

President John Tyler signed the bill for the annexation of Texas / Mexico and U.S. end diplomatic relations

Mar 1, 1845

James K. Polk becomes President

Mar 4, 1845

Polk sends General Zachary Taylor to protect Texas from Mexican invasion

Jun 25, 1845

Texas Republic votes to become part of the U.S.

Oct 13, 1845

The U.S. government asked the Mexican government if they would permit an envoy to "adjust all the questions in dispute between the two Governments."

Oct 13, 1845

The Mexican minister requested an envoy and asked the naval force at Vera Cruz be removed

Oct 15, 1845

John Slidell was sent to Mexico with an envoy to establish the location of the Texas boundary.

Nov 10, 1845

John C. Frémont entered California with a small armed force

Dec 10, 1845

Mexican minister refused Slidell's offer

Dec 21, 1845

Annexation of Texas and Texas becomes 28th state in U.S.

Dec 29, 1845

Thornton Affair

Apr 25, 1846

Polk encouraged Congress to declare War

May 11, 1846

Congress conferred for a few hours and the decision was quickly made to declare war on Mexico.

Congress declared war on Mexico

May 13, 1846

Bear Flag Revolt begins in California

Jun 14, 1846

Mexican Congress declares war on U.S.

Jul 7, 1846