The MEXICAN-AMERICAN War [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 3] Period 5: 1844-1877

Overview of the Mexican-American War

Introduction to the Topic

• The video focuses on Unit 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, specifically discussing the causes and effects of the Mexican-American War.

Causes of the Mexican-American War

• Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, leading to initial tensions that cooled temporarily. However, Texans desired annexation by the United States, which angered Mexico.

• Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, and Tyler all opposed Texas annexation until James K. Polk's election in 1845 when he promised to annex Texas as part of his campaign.

• John Tyler initiated the annexation process before leaving office; Polk capitalized on this momentum despite Tyler's earlier hesitance. This set up a conflict with Mexico over territorial claims.

• Diplomat John Slidell was sent to negotiate land purchases (New Mexico and California) and clarify border disputes between the Rio Grande and Nueces River but faced refusal from Mexico.

• Tensions escalated when American troops were stationed at disputed territories along the Rio Grande, leading to a skirmish that resulted in American casualties and ultimately prompted Congress to declare war on May 13th, 1846.

Effects of the Mexican-American War

• The war concluded with significant territorial gains for the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, establishing new borders and ceding California and New Mexico for $15 million.

• The Wilmot Proviso proposed that any territory gained should be free from slavery expansion; although it was voted down, it highlighted growing tensions regarding slavery in newly acquired lands. This amendment is seen as a precursor to civil conflict in America.

Understanding Citizenship Post-Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Impact on Mexicans and Indians

• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo granted U.S. citizenship to all Mexicans living in the newly acquired territory, highlighting a significant shift in national identity.

• In contrast, Indigenous peoples who had been made citizens by the Mexican government were not offered U.S. citizenship under the treaty.

• This exclusion meant that Native Americans would remain without citizenship rights until the 1930s, indicating a prolonged period of disenfranchisement.

• The discussion underscores the complexities of citizenship and identity during territorial transitions, particularly for marginalized groups.