Name:
Date:
Period:
Chapter 16 Section 1, The U.S.-Mexican War, P. 330
Key Terms
1. John Slidell: sent to Mexico by President Polk in November 1845 to try to settle the
disputes between the U.S. and Mexico; he tried to buy New Mexico and California from
Mexico, but Mexican officials refused to meet with him
2. Zachary Taylor: commander who led the U.S. army to the Rio Grande Valley to protect
Texas; clashed with Mexican troops near present-day Brownsville; eventually won the
Battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista and became a national hero in the U.S.
3. “Rip” Ford: a Texas Ranger who served as a scout for the U.S. army
4. Offensive: a major troop advance; General Taylor launched a successful offensive in
northern Mexico
5. Winfield Scott: replaced General Taylor as commander of the army; captured Veracruz
and Mexico City and won the war
Main Idea Questions
1. Tensions were high along the Texas-Mexico border and Mexico was not happy with
Texas annexation. At this point, what did many Mexicans fear? That Texas annexation
was just the first step in an attempt by the U.S. to take over all of Mexico
2. What were three long-simmering conflicts between the U.S. and Mexico? 1) border
issues (Nueces R. vs Rio Grande) 2) American settlers refusing to leave California, which
Mexico owned 3) Americans demanding payment from Mexican government over
damage to businesses and property in Mexico
3. In March 1846, what did General Taylor and his troops discover when they arrived at
the Rio Grande? What did he order his troops to do next? They discovered Mexican
troops camping along the Rio Grande; he then ordered his men to build a fort nearby
4. Describe the incident that occurred in early April 1846: A Mexican general ordered
Taylor and his men to cross back east across the Nueces River, Taylor refused, Mexican
troops crossed the Rio Grande and attacked the Americans, killing and capturing several
5. What happened on May 13, 1846? U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico
6. What had already occurred on May 8 and 9, 1846? The Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca
de la Palma, which Taylor and the Americans had won
7. Why were so many Texans enlisting in the army and eager to fight Santa Anna? About
how many Texans volunteered to join the army? They wanted revenge for events that
occurred during the Texas Revolution; about 6,000 Texans
8. Who were three prominent Texans who joined the fight against Mexico? James
Pinckney Henderson, Mirabeau B. Lamar, and Albert Sydney Johnston
9. Why did Tejano Juan Seguin fight on the Mexican side? He had left Texas in 1842 after
being accused of aiding the Mexican army; the Mexican government forced him to fight
or he would be arrested
10. Several Texas Rangers joined in the fight against Mexico. What were some problems
they caused during the war? They refused to follow orders and often attacked Mexican
villages for no reason
11. What was the nickname given to the Texas Rangers by many Mexicans? Los Diablos
Tejanos
12. Which two battles did General Taylor win in northern Mexico in 1847? Monterrey and
Buena Vista
13. Why did President Polk replace General Taylor despite Taylor’s many victories? He was
unhappy about General Taylor’s nationwide popularity
14. What city Did General Scott capture along Mexico’s coast? When did Scott and
American forces capture Mexico City? Veracruz; September 14, 1847
15. How many Texans died in battle in the Mexican-American War? How many died due
to disease or accidents? 60 Texans died in battle and 270 died from disease or accidents