-
Treaties of Velasco signed- The Republic of Texas becomes its own country.
-
Texas became the 28th state of the United States of America.
-
American soldiers ambushed by Mexican forces, supposedly on American soil.
-
First real battles of war, Gen. Zachary Taylor (future president) led Americans to victory in both battles, using strategy of "flying artillery"
-
Polk persuades Congress to declare war on Mexico.
-
American citizens took Sonoma, declaring California's independence from Mexico.
-
Mexicans retreat to walled city, and Taylor wins again, after adjusting fighting style. 8-week truce angered Polk.
-
Taylor ignored Polk, led 4,500 soldiers. Met Gen. Santa Anna in mountain pass, bloodiest battle of the war. Taylor was greatly outnumbered. Both sides claimed to win, though half as many American casualties as Mexican.
-
Arranged by new General Winfield Scott. First amphibious attack by U.S. Walls of Veracruz fell.
-
Santa Anna blocked path, Scott greatly outnumbered, Robert E. Lee had an idea, another win for General Scott.
-
Met first 9 miles from city, then Santa Anna fell back to convent in Churubusco, then to Chapultepec Castle. Ninos heroes, particularly Juan Escutia, showed bravery.
-
Negotiated by Nicholas Trist and new Mexican pres. Manuel Pena y Pena. U.S. gets all of TX, with Rio Grande as border, plus CA, NM, NV, UT, most of AZ and CO, and parts of OK, KS, and WY, Mexico got $18 million (half of what Polk originally offered for the land)
