Focus Question: Why did the United

States go to war with Mexico in 1846?

Map of the Mexican Republic, 1824

Do Now:
Examine the
map of the
Mexican
Republic,
1824 and
write down
one
observation
and one
question
about the
map.

 Why did the US go to war with

Mexico in 1846?
The idea of manifest destiny was a major factor
in the declaration of war on Mexico. The U.S.
felt that California should be theirs.
President Polk threatened war with Mexico in
order to force Mexico into selling California to
the U.S.
He never intended for the U.S. to get involved in
a war. The country wasnt prepared for this.
Fighting broke out at the Rio Grande River. The
U.S. said Mexico shot first, Mexico said that the
U.S. did.