Texas and Mexican War
By Emily Rea
How it started
In the 1820s, Texas was a part of Mexico. Yet few Mexicans had settled there. The government of Mexico wanted people to live there, work the land, and become loyal citizens.
It granted Stephen Austin the right to bring American families into Texas. The Texas settlers missed the freedoms they had left behind in the United States.
Texas Independance
Meanwhile, on March 2, 1836, Texan leaders declared Independence. They drew up a constitution and formed a government. The leaders chose Sam Houston to take command of the Texas army. That army included a unit of Tejano soldiers, led by Juan segui'n,. They would soon join a major battle.
Tensions over Texas
Texas had gained its independence. Now what? Most Texans thought the United States would annex Texas, or take it over and make it a state. But many Americans did not support that move. They were concerned about the spread of salary.
War with Mexico
In January 1846, President Polk sent an army led by General Zachary Taylor into the border region. In april, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and attacked a small American force. That action triggered the Mexican War. In his war message to congress on May 11, Polk said "Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil"
Winning Peace
The Mexican War ended officially with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Mexico gave up its claims on Texas. It also turned over most of its other northern territory to the Unite states.
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