7th Grade
Chapter 11 Lesson 3
Name _________________
Date __________________
Who won the Presidential election of 1844 and why
James K. Polk because many supported expansion west and he was
perceived as the expansionist candidate
What did Fifty four forty or fight mean
American expansionists wanted the US border to be that parallel
What were the events leading to the US acquisition of Texas and Oregon
March 1845 – US congress approves Texas annexation
June 1845 – Texas congress approves annexation
1846 – treaty with Britain establishes Northern border
1848 – Oregon becomes a US territory
What happened to the missions after Mexico gained independence from
Spain?
Mexico ended the mission system, and mission lands went to wealthy
Californians who created vast ranches
What served as everyday life in California during Spanish rule?
Missions
How was life for the California Indians similar under Spain and Mexico?
Either willingly or by force, Indians adopted Spanish and Mexican
ways of life and performed much of the hard labor
How did manifest destiny affect Spanish and Mexican rule in California?
Anglos began settling in CA where they called for independence,
which created tension between Mexico and the US
Why did Vallejo encourage American rule in CA
He hoped American rule would lead to more self-government for
Californios
Why did the US declare war against Mexico?
Disagreement over the US – Mexican border; Mexican attack on US
soldiers stationed in the disputed area
Describe the Bear Flag Revolt?
In 1846 a small group of settlers seized Sonoma and declared CA an
independent nation, but US forces soon arrived and claimed the
region
What did the American public think about the war with Mexico?
Many Americans supported the war, and many men signed up to
fight, but many Whigs and abolitionists opposed the war.
Who led the US forces to victory at the Battle of Buena Vista?
General Zachary Taylor
Why did General Scott attack Veracruz before Mexico City?
Veracruz was located on the coast, it was the strongest fortress in
Mexico, and defeat was needed to break Mexican resistance
List the key battles of the War
Santa Fe
August 18, 1846
Buena Vista
February, 1847
Veracruz
March 29, 1847
Cerro Gordo
April, 1847
Mexico City
September 14, 1847
What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
Ended the Mexican – American War Mexico turned over much of
their northern territory to the US ( CA NV UT AZ NM parts of CO WY)
increased the size of the US by 25% US paid Mexico 15 million and
release of American claims of 3 million
How did life for Mexicans under American rule differ from what they were
promised in the treaty?
They were promised their liberties and property would be secured,
but many faced discrimination and loss of land
What was the Gadsden Purchase?
US paid Mexico 10 million in exchange for southern parts of AZ and
NM
Why did conflicts occur between different groups living the in the American
Southwest
Desire of valuable resources, different laws and views regarding
property and water rights, lack of respect for Native American lands
and holy places
How did the different cultures shape one another in the American
Southwest?
Use of English and Spanish, mix of heritage and place-names,
celebration of Mexican and American holidays, cultural sharing of
skills, knowledge, and traditions
What were Brigham Young’s water rights?
The good of the communities would outweigh the interests of
individuals. People could not construct dams or canals to use as
irrigation because this would keep others from having access to
water.