Western Expansion

  • 1841 - John Tyler becomes president

    was the tenth president of the United States from 1841 to 1845 after briefly serving as the tenth vice president in 1841
  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain

    Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, launched the Mexican War of Independence with the issuing of his Grito de Dolores, or “Cry of Delores.” The revolutionary tract called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality
  • 1836 - Americans are defeated at the Alamo

    The Alamo was an 18th century Franciscan Mission in San Antonio, Texas, which was the location of an important battle for Texans fighting for independence from Mexico. In 1836, a small group of Texans was defeated by Mexican General Santa Anna.
  • 1842 - Americans and British agree to the Webster - Ashburton Treaty

    a treaty that resolved several border issues between the United States and the British North American colonies (the region that became Canada).
  • 1845 - United States annexes

    The Annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1845–1848. During his tenure, U.S. President James K. ... With the support of President-elect Polk, Tyler managed to get the joint resolution passed on March 1, 1845, and Texas was admitted into the United States on December 29.
  • 1846 - Mexican - American War begins

    Mexican cavalry attacked a group of U.S. soldiers in the disputed zone under the command of General Zachary Taylor, killing about a dozen. They then laid siege to an American fort along the Rio Grande
  • 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican - American War

    Mexico also gave up all claims to Texas and recognized the Rio Grande as America's southern boundary.
  • 1853 - With the Gadsden Purchase, the United States acquires an additional 30,000 square miles from Mexico

    Gadsden reached an agreement with Mexico to purchase about 30,000 square miles for $10 million. The treaty between the United States and Mexico was signed by James Gadsden on December 30, 1853, in Mexico City.