Mexican cession event leading up to becoming part of the US
The Mexican Cession refers to the territory that Mexico ceded to the United States following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The event leading up to the Mexican Cession can be traced back to several factors:
1. Texas Independence: In 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico and formed the Republic of Texas. This escalated tensions between Mexico and the United States as Texas sought annexation by the US.
2. Annexation of Texas: In 1845, the US annexed Texas, claiming the territory based on the Republic of Texas' request for statehood. Mexico, however, disputed the annexation and considered Texas as part of its territory.
3. Border Dispute: The annexation of Texas exacerbated border disputes since Mexico did not recognize the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico. Mexico claimed the Nueces River as the rightful border, leading to conflicts and military tensions in the region.
4. Diplomatic Efforts Failed: To avoid war, President James K. Polk sent John Slidell as a special envoy to Mexico in 1845 to negotiate the purchase of disputed lands. However, the Mexican government refused to meet with Slidell, worsening the relations between the two countries.
5. Outbreak of War: In 1846, American troops led by General Zachary Taylor clashed with Mexican forces along the Rio Grande. This skirmish led President Polk to claim that Mexico had "shed American blood on American soil," providing a pretext for war.
6. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Mexican-American War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. As part of the treaty, Mexico ceded a vast amount of territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. This became known as the Mexican Cession.
7. Gadsden Purchase: In 1853, the US made the Gadsden Purchase, acquiring further land in present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico for $10 million. This completed the territorial expansion resulting from the Mexican Cession.
Overall, the Mexican Cession was the result of a series of events including Texas' annexation, border disputes, failed negotiations, military conflicts, and ultimately, the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It significantly expanded the territory of the United States, shaping its future borders and manifesting American expansionism.