Occupation of California and the Southwest
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Military History, Land Acquisition and Expansion, Territory Redistribution, Geography
- Subcategories: Wars, Battles, Frontier, Pioneers
- Curriculum: Latin American History, American History 1816-1855, Latino History
- Geographical Location: California, New Mexico
- Date: June 30, 1846-January 13, 1847
Article abstract: The Army of the West is charged with winning New Mexico and California for the United States.
Summary of Event
When the United States declared war on Mexico in May, 1846, the military strategy of President James K. Polk and his advisers was to occupy the capitals of the northern Mexican provinces and march on Mexico City itself. Polk hoped the two campaigns would result in a quick end to the war. He assigned the task of winning New Mexico and California to the Army of the West, commanded by Brigadier General Stephen Kearny. In the...
[The entire page is 1628 words long]