In this Grade 5 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students explore how Texas and California became part of the United States through events including American settlement in Mexican Texas, the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo, and the Mexican-American War. Students learn key concepts such as the Republic of Texas, the Bear Flag Republic, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and how westward expansion shaped the nation's boundaries in the mid-1800s.
Section 1
Americans Settle in Mexican Texas
After gaining independence, Mexico invited people from the United States to live in its northern territory. This land, known as Mexican Texas, was offered to new arrivals for very low prices. Mexico hoped this would help populate and develop the region.
Thousands of American settlers accepted the offer and moved to Texas. They brought their own language, customs, and ideas about government, which were often different from Mexican traditions.
Section 2
The Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas
American settlers in Mexican Texas had different rules and ways of life than the Mexican government wanted. They disagreed on issues like slavery and religion. These disagreements grew into serious problems between the settlers and the government.
The settlers decided to fight for their freedom. They fought against the Mexican army in famous battles, including the one at the Alamo.
Section 3
Manifest Destiny and the Start of the Mexican-American War
Many Americans in the 1840s believed in Manifest Destiny, the idea that their country was meant to expand west to the Pacific Ocean. President James K. Polk strongly supported this goal. He wanted the United States to gain more land, including Texas and California.
In 1845, the United States annexed Texas. This angered Mexico, and the two countries soon disagreed over the official border. This border dispute, along with the U.S. desire for California, sparked the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Section 4
The U.S. Acquires a Vast Territory
The United States won the Mexican-American War. The war officially ended in February 1848 when both countries signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This agreement set the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.
As part of the treaty, Mexico sold a huge area of its northern land to the United States. This territory became known as the Mexican Cession.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Americans Settle in Mexican Texas
After gaining independence, Mexico invited people from the United States to live in its northern territory. This land, known as Mexican Texas, was offered to new arrivals for very low prices. Mexico hoped this would help populate and develop the region.
Thousands of American settlers accepted the offer and moved to Texas. They brought their own language, customs, and ideas about government, which were often different from Mexican traditions.
Section 2
The Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas
American settlers in Mexican Texas had different rules and ways of life than the Mexican government wanted. They disagreed on issues like slavery and religion. These disagreements grew into serious problems between the settlers and the government.
The settlers decided to fight for their freedom. They fought against the Mexican army in famous battles, including the one at the Alamo.
Section 3
Manifest Destiny and the Start of the Mexican-American War
Many Americans in the 1840s believed in Manifest Destiny, the idea that their country was meant to expand west to the Pacific Ocean. President James K. Polk strongly supported this goal. He wanted the United States to gain more land, including Texas and California.
In 1845, the United States annexed Texas. This angered Mexico, and the two countries soon disagreed over the official border. This border dispute, along with the U.S. desire for California, sparked the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Section 4
The U.S. Acquires a Vast Territory
The United States won the Mexican-American War. The war officially ended in February 1848 when both countries signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This agreement set the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.
As part of the treaty, Mexico sold a huge area of its northern land to the United States. This territory became known as the Mexican Cession.