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VI. The Mexican-American War

The U.S. wanted California
Polk had Taylor and the U.S. army bild a fort in disputed area between Nueces & Rio Grand
Mexicans attacked fort Brown, Taylor counterattacked

Northern phase of war
  Zachary Taylor attacked Northern Mexico and lost
  Santa Anna at Buena Vista - 1847
  Polk concerned about Taylor's popularity, replaced him with Winfield Scott
Southern phase of war
  Scott marched on Mexico City, seized it

Stephen Kirne seized California
  Mexicans won first battle
  Kirne joined with fleet at coast, marched on San Fransisco
  John C. Freemont
    Part of Kirne's group
    Made a "republic" of himself and a few hundred friends
    Declared California independent
    Made an excuse for U.S. to claim California

Feb. 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
  Mexico ceded northern territories to U.S. for $15 million