Glossary
Annexation of Texas
The process by which the Republic of Texas was incorporated into the United States as a new state in 1845, a key cause of the Mexican-American War.
Example:
The Annexation of Texas was a highly contentious issue, as it was seen by Mexico as an act of aggression and by many in the U.S. as a step towards expanding slavery.
Border Dispute
A primary cause of the Mexican-American War, stemming from the disagreement over the official boundary between Texas and Mexico after Texas's independence.
Example:
The unresolved Border Dispute between the Rio Grande and Nueces River provided President Polk with a pretext for military action against Mexico.
Economic and Strategic Interests
The motivations for U.S. expansion that included gaining access to valuable resources, new markets, and strategic ports, particularly in California.
Example:
Beyond land for agriculture, the Economic and Strategic Interests in acquiring California's Pacific ports were a significant factor in the U.S. decision to go to war with Mexico.
Goliad Massacre
An event during the Texas Revolution where over 400 Texan prisoners of war were executed by order of Mexican General Santa Anna, further fueling Texan resolve.
Example:
The brutality of the Goliad Massacre galvanized Texan forces, leading to cries for vengeance in subsequent battles.
Impact on Native Americans
The negative consequences of U.S. territorial expansion, which led to the displacement, forced relocation, and loss of land and sovereignty for many indigenous peoples.
Example:
The expansion resulting from the Mexican-American War had a devastating Impact on Native Americans, as their ancestral lands were increasingly encroached upon by American settlers.
James K. Polk
The 11th U.S. President (1845-1849), a strong proponent of Manifest Destiny who oversaw significant territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas and the Mexican Cession.
Example:
President James K. Polk pursued an aggressive foreign policy aimed at acquiring vast new territories for the United States, even at the risk of war.
Manifest Destiny
The 19th-century belief that the United States was divinely ordained to expand its dominion and spread democracy across the North American continent.
Example:
The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled American desires to acquire vast territories, including those held by Mexico, believing it was their nation's destiny.
Mexican Cession
The vast territory ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1848 as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, encompassing present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of other states.
Example:
The acquisition of the Mexican Cession completed the continental expansion of the United States, but immediately ignited intense debates over the expansion of slavery.
Mexican-American War
A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over the annexation of Texas and a border dispute.
Example:
The Mexican-American War significantly expanded U.S. territory but also intensified the national debate over the expansion of slavery.
Nueces River
The river that Mexico recognized as the legitimate border between Texas and Mexico, located north of the Rio Grande.
Example:
Mexico viewed the movement of U.S. troops south of the Nueces River as an invasion of its sovereign territory.
Republic of Texas
An independent sovereign nation that existed from 1836 to 1845, formed after its successful revolution against Mexico, before being annexed by the United States.
Example:
For nearly a decade, the Republic of Texas operated as its own country, navigating complex relations with both Mexico and the United States.
Rights of Mexicans
Provisions in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that guaranteed citizenship, religious freedom, and property rights to Mexicans living in the newly ceded territories, though these rights were often violated.
Example:
Despite the guaranteed Rights of Mexicans in the treaty, many Mexican landowners in the ceded territories faced discrimination and loss of their property.
Rio Grande
The river claimed by the United States as the southern border of Texas, a claim disputed by Mexico, which recognized the Nueces River as the boundary.
Example:
President Polk sent troops to the area between the Rio Grande and Nueces River, escalating tensions and provoking the Mexican-American War.
Sam Houston
A key leader of the Texas Revolution and the first president of the Republic of Texas, known for his military strategy at San Jacinto.
Example:
Sam Houston's leadership was crucial in securing Texan independence and guiding the new republic in its early years.
San Jacinto
The decisive battle of the Texas Revolution where Sam Houston's Texan army achieved a swift and overwhelming victory over Mexican forces, securing Texas's independence.
Example:
The Battle of San Jacinto was a stunning triumph that effectively ended the Texas Revolution and established the Republic of Texas.
Sectionalism
Loyalty to one's own region or section of the country, rather than to the country as a whole, which intensified in the U.S. due to differing views on slavery and economic interests.
Example:
The debate over slavery in the Mexican Cession significantly exacerbated sectionalism, as the North and South became increasingly polarized over their distinct ways of life.
Slavery Debate
The intense political and social conflict over whether to allow or prohibit slavery in the new territories acquired from Mexico, which significantly heightened sectional tensions.
Example:
The Slavery Debate over the Mexican Cession became a major catalyst for the growing divide between the North and South, pushing the nation closer to civil war.
Texan settlers
Primarily American immigrants who moved into the Mexican territory of Texas, often bringing enslaved people, and eventually sought independence from Mexico.
Example:
The Texan settlers found themselves at odds with the Mexican government over issues like slavery and centralized control, leading to conflict.
Texas Independence
The successful rebellion of Texan settlers, primarily American immigrants, against Mexican rule, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas.
Example:
The fight for Texas Independence was marked by iconic battles and a strong desire for self-governance among its Anglo-American population.
The Alamo
A pivotal 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution where a small group of Texan defenders were ultimately defeated by Mexican forces, becoming a symbol of resistance.
Example:
Despite the tragic loss at The Alamo, the defenders' bravery inspired many to join the fight for Texas's freedom.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The peace treaty signed in 1848 that officially ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in Mexico ceding vast territories to the United States.
Example:
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo dramatically reshaped the map of North America, transferring immense land from Mexico to the United States.
US Compensation
The payment of $15 million made by the United States to Mexico as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for the ceded territories, and the assumption of American citizens' claims against Mexico.
Example:
As part of the US Compensation, Mexico received a payment that, while substantial, was seen by many as insufficient given the vastness of the land lost.
US Expansionism
The political and ideological drive in the United States to expand its territory and influence, particularly westward, during the 19th century.
Example:
US Expansionism, fueled by Manifest Destiny, was a major underlying cause for the desire to acquire Mexican territories like California.
US Provocation
Actions taken by the United States, particularly President Polk's deployment of troops to the disputed border area, that were perceived by Mexico as an act of aggression leading to war.
Example:
Mexico viewed the stationing of American troops in the disputed territory as a direct US Provocation, leading to the first shots of the war.
US-Mexico Relations
The diplomatic and political relationship between the United States and Mexico, which was severely strained and marked by lasting bitterness and mistrust after the war.
Example:
The Mexican-American War left a legacy of resentment that profoundly affected US-Mexico Relations for decades, shaping future interactions between the two nations.
Wilmot Proviso
A proposed but ultimately failed legislative amendment that sought to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, highlighting the growing sectional divide.
Example:
The Wilmot Proviso became a symbol of the North's desire to limit the expansion of slavery and sparked fierce opposition from the South, foreshadowing future conflicts.