Trails and Territories
This busy trade route, established by William Becknell, started in Independence, Missouri, and ended in New Mexico.
The Santa Fe Trail
These huge estates were set up by Mexicans who bought former mission lands in California.
This U.S. President was determined to get California and New Mexico from Mexico, even if it meant going to war.
James K. Polk
The first part of Polk’s war plan was to drive Mexican forces out of this disputed state.
Texas
As a result of the treaty, ______ gave up more than 500,000 square miles of territory to the United States.
Mexico
After Mexico won independence from _______ in 1821, New Mexico officially became a Mexican state
Spain
This is the specific name for the ranch owners who often treated Native Americans almost like slaves.
rancheros
The U.S. claimed the border with Mexico was the _______ River, but Mexico claimed the border was the Nueces River, 150 miles to the north.
Rio Grande
General Steven Kearney was responsible for the second part of the plan, which involved capturing this capital of New Mexico.
Santa Fe
Under the treaty, the United States paid Mexico this amount of money for the land it acquired.
$15 million
This term describes the 1800s belief that the United States was destined by God to extend its borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Manifest Destiny
Many Americans were attracted to _______ in the 1840s because of its vast natural resources and its mild climate.
California
President Polk offered to buy the California and New Mexico territories for this amount of money before the war began.
$30 million
The final goal of the war plan was to capture this major capital city, which General Winfield Scott accomplished in September 1847.
Mexico City
While the war realized the dream of Manifest Destiny, it also brought up a major new conflict regarding whether this practice would be allowed in the new lands.
slavery
In the early 1800s, the "vast region" of New Mexico included all of present-day New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and this state. (hint: salty lake)
Utah
Captain Gaspar de Portolá and Father Junípero Serra began a chain of these, which were used to convert Native Americans to Christianity.
missions
This future president, then a congressman, questioned Polk's reasons for war and demanded to know the exact "spot" where blood was shed.
Abraham Lincoln
Before marching to Mexico City, General Winfield Scott captured this important Mexican port.
Veracruz
In addition to the cash payment to Mexico, the U.S. agreed to take over $3.25 million in debts that Mexico owed to whom?
American citizens
Unlike the Spanish who tried to keep Americans away, this government initially welcomed American traders to boost the local economy.
Mexican
American settlers in California led an uprising against Mexican rule that became known by this name. (initials: BFR)
Bear Flag Republic
President Polk ordered this General to lead U.S. forces into the disputed border area to provoke a Mexican attack.
Zachary Taylor
By early 1847, this General had already accomplished the first part of the war plan by securing Texas. (his initials: ZT)
This is the name of the peace treaty signed on February 2, 1848, that officially ended the war.
Guadalupe Hidalgo