The month of May has been historical in America’s vast history. That’s because it features the anniversary of two major conflicts between America and Mexico. That really helped shape the Civil War and led to California and nine other states joining the union.
On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war upon Mexico after President James K. Polk pushed for it. Although then on May 26, 1848, Mexico and the U.S. ratified a peace treaty that ended the war. The conflict’s focal point remained the independent state of Texas which therefore decided to join forces with the U.S. after already having taken independence from Mexico.
How Did Mexico Lose To California?
President James Polk also insisted on getting states like Texas, California, and Oregon on board in order further spread democracy over the continent. The U.S. also went to bid for Mexican Texas, which was a part of Mexican California during that time. This was highly discouraged by Mexico and hence started a war.
Mexico decided to consider the freedom of Texas an act of war. After following some movements along the borders, President Polk asked U.S. Congress to declare war. That’s because, under Article I, Section 8, only Congress could declare war. Whilst fighting each other, the U.S. military successfully hoisted their flag in Mexico little after little. This also led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed in February 1848. It goes without saying but this was the first major success in the history of U.S. military forces. Mexico also received around $18 million in the form of compensation from the treaty that was signed.
The treaty laid out a border between Texas and Mexico. California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming were subject to U.S. territory now.
What Was California Called Before It Was Named California?
It took several years after Hernan Cortes founded Baja California. After that, the first essence of California was ever placed on a map in 1562. The map area was made with the name California up top.
How Did California Get Its Name?
When a group of soldiers under the command of Hernan Cortes landed on an abandoned island on the pacific coast, they subsequently decided to name it California.
