Mexican History of Arizona
Arizona Geography
GCU 221
Game Plan
• Spain flounders and Mexico wins their
independence in 1821, Arizona a backwater
• Mexico fails to support Arizona presidios,
Apache raids increase
• Texas and the Alamo
• Trappers illegally trap in Arizona
• “Army of the West” takes over New Mexico
without firing a shot.
• Gadsen Purchase in 1854 grants the territory
south of the Gila River as part of Arizona (for
$10 million)
Spain flounders, Mexicans win
Independence between 1810
and 1821
Mexican born lower class citizens
were waging a guerilla campaign
against Spanish born and
sponsored government leaders.
The Mexican aristocrats switch
sides (due to a liberal charter
from Spain) and join up with the
lower classes as Spain struggles
with Napoleon and their own
revolution.
Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848
The 10 year war with Spain for their independence ruined the silver
mining industry and bankrupted the country. As such, money stopped
flowing into the Arizona missions and presidios, which floundered.
Mexican Arizona flounders with little support from the south.
Mexican Presidios in Arizona Struggle
from Apache Raids
Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848
Juan Banderas, a Yaqui native, worked to form a pan-Indian nation in
northern Mexico and southern Arizona with Maya, Opata, and Pima
tribes. His revolution failed and he was executed in 1833.
With Mexico struggling with money, revolutions erupt
throughout the country.
Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848
Mexican immigration into traditional O’odham land causes
tensions, as the mission system fails to serve as a divide between
the two cultures. Mexicans use land grants to build giant
ranches in southern Arizona, but raided by Apaches
Tucson remains a settlement with 1,000 inhabitants as Mexican
influence in the region wanes.
Texas wins their independence
and in 1845 joins the US
Mexicans unhappy with their President,
General Santa Ana, due to the passage
of Siete Leyes, a controversial
document that modified the Mexican
constitution.
Mexico allows immigrants from the
US into the Texas region, thought to
act as a buffer from raiding
Comanche.
The last stand of the Alamo rallies the Texans under Sam Houston
Arizona is a backwater, visited by foreign
trappers like Kit Carson in the early 1800s
First entered Arizona along the Gila River
drainage trapping beaver in 1829. The
last Rendezvous in 1840, as the mountain
men were running out of game to trap.
After trapping,
guided for Fremont
as scout and guide
James Polk Presidency 1845 to 1849
Known as “Napoleon of the Stump”, he
was former speak of the House.
He oversaw the construction of the
Smithsonian and the U.S. Naval
Academy.
A “dark horse” candidate, gained the
democratic ticket because he strongly
favored annexing Texas..
Said he would only run one term, and he did,
then died 3 months later.
Mexican-American War 1846 to 1848
Led by
General
Stephen
Kearny,
leading the
northern
front of the
campaign to
get ground
forces in
California
Army of the West, called the land of Arizona
worthless, and wondered what use will it be.
Mexican-American War
After an arduous journey across Arizona and the
Mojave, found out California back in Mexican control.
Mule
Hill
Battle of San Pasqual, after rushing into battle with Mexican cavalry,
the Americans were heavily wounded. While trying to make there
way to San Diego for naval support, they were trapped on a hill and
eventually rescued.
Mormon Battalion takes over
Tucson in 1846
Travelled over 1,900 miles on foot. Agreed to help fight the MexicanAmerican War to relations with the US. Secured Arizona during the
war and the later Gadsden Purchase. Only battle known as the Battle
of the Bulls, where they fought stampeding wild bulls.
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War 1848
Gadsden Purchase, 1854
Following the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildago where 500,000 square
miles of territory was added to the US, some Americans realized a
little more would be very useful. The Mormon Battalion realized
an excellent route through Arizona to southern California.
Without the Gadsden Purchase, the route would not work.
$10 million to finish Arizona Territory, 30,000 square miles
Things to know:
• Spain flounders and Mexico wins their
independence in 1821, Arizona a backwater
• Mexico fails to support Arizona presidios,
Apache raids increase
• Texas and the Alamo
• Trappers illegally trap in Arizona
• “Army of the West” and the Mormon Battalion
takes over Arizona, without firing a shot.
• Gadsen Purchase in 1854 grants the territory
south of the Gila River as part of Arizona
Help: Ask Dr. Douglass