Texas war & Mexican American War

Stephen Austin meets with Mexican President Santa Anna

Dec 25, 1833

Austin went there to give Santa Anna a petition for self government. The president then had him put in prison.

Treaty of Velasco grants Texas Independence

Jan 28, 1836

It granted independence to Mexico. This set Santa Anna free.

Battle of Alamo

Feb 23, 1836

The Texans attacked. Alamo was an abandoned misson and fort.

Battle of San Jacinto

Apr 21, 1836

led by Sam Houston. Texans killed 630 of Santa Anna's Soldiers.

U.S. annexes Texas

Mar 16, 1838

Sam Houston invited the US to "annex" or incorporate the Texas republic into the United States.

Slidell's Rejection

Jan 28, 1844

John Slidell was sent to Mexico to get California and New Mexico and to gain approval of the Rio Grande as the Texas Border. When he got there officials would not let him in. They saw this as a violation.

General Taylor marches troops across Rio Grande

Jan 28, 1845

He had to blockade the river. Mexicans viewed it as a violation of their rights.

U.S. declares war on Mexico

May 13, 1846

Started because Mexicans shed "American blood upon American soil." manifest destiny had them fight on foreign lands for the first time.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends war with Mexico

Feb 2, 1848

Mexico agreed to the Rio Grande border for Texas and gave New Mexico and California to the US>

Gadsden Purchase

Jan 28, 1853

It established lower borders of 48 states.