Texas and the
War with
Mexico
Learning through DBQ’s
• DBQ’s are “Document-Based Questions.” That
means you must analyze a source and answer
thought-provoking questions about it.
• First, I am going to give you very brief historical
context regarding Texas and the MexicanAmerican War.
• Second, you will analyze 6 sources that will help you
understand specific details and perspectives about
Texas and the Mexican-American War.
Here’s what you need to
know about Texas…
• Stephen Austin set up an American colony in Texas
(owned by the new country of Mexico.) The
condition was that they had to eventually become
Mexican citizens.
Texas
• Most of the settlers had no intention of becoming
citizens, so Mexico closed its borders to immigrants.
• Americans in Texas revolted because they wanted
to be independent.
Texas
• The Alamo: A small group of Texan soldiers
defended the fort against Mexican soldiers. All of
the soldiers died; even the ones who survived were
executed, under General Santa Anna’s orders. This
fueled Texas rage.
Texas
• Texans captured General Santa Anna. In exchange
for his freedom, he ordered his troops to leave
Texas. Texas gained their independence! But
Mexico was not really ready to accept that…
Texas
• Texas was independent for 10 years until the US
finally annexed them (made them a part of the
country.)
Here’s what you need to know
about the Mexican-American War
• It was Polk’s goal as president to spread the US’s
borders from ocean to ocean. He offered to buy
the remaining land from Mexico, but they refused.
• The US also wanted to adopt Texas as a state,
which angered Mexico, and brought them close to
war.
Mexican American War
• Also, both Texas and Mexico claimed the land
between the Rio Grande River and the Nueces
River. Polk sent troops to claim this disputed area, to
support Texas (who was not yet a state.)
• The Mexican Army attacks the troops. The war starts
soon after.
Mexican American War
• The US defeated Mexico and gained their land, thus
spreading the country from ocean to ocean and
fulfilling Manifest Destiny.
Alamo Documentary
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd1L2fvHciA
In Summary…
• What happened at the Alamo?
o A small group of Texan soldiers defending the Alamo were all killed by the
Mexican army. Even the ones who surrendered were executed, on Santa
Anna’s orders. This angered Texans and fueled their desire for
independence.
• What did Polk promise to do if he became
president?
o He promised to spread the borders of the country from ocean to ocean.
• What are two different reasons that Polk could have
had for sending troops into the Rio Grande?
o On one hand, he could have sent them there to claim the land for Texas
because they believed it was rightfully theirs. On the other hand, Polk
wanted to go to war with Mexico because he wanted their land. He
could have sent troops to the disputed area knowing they would be
attacked, Americans would become angered and want to go to war.
Acquisition
• Texas Annexation – Originally was a part of Mexico –
1845
• Oregon Country – From Britain – 1846
• Mexican Cession – From Mexico – 1848