How the U.S. Stole Mexico

Key Concepts:

• Manifest Destiny/Westward Expansion
• Mexican-American War
• James K. Polk's Presidency
• Texas Annexation
• Disputed Territory
• Racial motivations behind expansion
• Skillshare

1. British Colonial Boundary and Westward Expansion:

• The British Empire established a boundary line to prevent settlers from moving West, fearing conflict with Native Americans and angering France.
• Settlers ignored this line, leading to eventual independence and further westward expansion.
• The rapid westward expansion involved the displacement and mass slaughter of Native American populations.

2. Texas and the Republic of Texas:

• Mexico incentivized American settlers to populate Tejas (Texas) by renting them land.
• American settlers brought slaves (illegal in Mexico) and a desire for independence.
• Mexico sent the military to assert control, leading to battles, including the Battle of the Alamo, where David Crockett died.
• American settlers won, declaring the Republic of Texas, but Mexico disputed the border.

3. Annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War:

• In 1845, Texas became the 28th state, inheriting the land dispute with Mexico.
• President James K. Polk wanted to acquire California and first tried to buy it from Mexico for $25 million, but Mexico refused.
• Polk sent troops into the disputed territory, provoking a Mexican attack that killed 11 Americans.
• Polk used this incident to persuade Congress to declare war on Mexico, claiming Mexicans "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil."

4. The Mexican-American War and its Aftermath:

• The U.S. won the war and paid Mexico $15 million for California and other territories.
• Mexico conceded the disputed territory, solidifying Texas's borders.
• The U.S. could have taken all of Mexico but chose not to due to racial considerations.
• A pro-slavery senator argued against incorporating non-Caucasian populations into the Union.
• The policy was to seek land where natives could be exterminated and replaced with white settlers.

5. Completion of the Southern Border:

• Polk secured California and Oregon, achieving a coast-to-coast country.
• The Gadsden Purchase completed the southern border.
• Native people and Mexicans in the acquired territories faced oppression, displacement, and disenfranchisement.

6. Irony and Reflection:

• The U.S. expansion into Mexico was ironic, given that it was facilitated by Mexico opening its borders to American settlers.
• The current U.S.-Mexico border stands in stark contrast to the historical reality of Mexican territory.
• The history of U.S. expansion provides insights into the country's formation and global dynamics.

7. Skillshare Sponsorship:

• The video is sponsored by Skillshare, an online learning platform.
• The creator used Skillshare to learn animation, video, and design skills.
• Skillshare offers courses on various topics, including animation, cooking, and entrepreneurship.
• A specific course on creating animation loops in After Effects is recommended.
• Viewers can access Skillshare tutorials for free for two months via a link in the description.

8. Notable Quotes:

• Polk: Mexicans have "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil."
• Abe: Letting Polk force the country into war with Mexico was "allowing him to make war at pleasure."
• Pro-slavery Senator: "We have never dreamt of incorporating into the Union, any, but the Caucasian race, the free white race. Are we to associate with ourselves as equal companions and fellow citizens, the Indians and mixed races of Mexico?"

9. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.
• Disputed Territory: Land claimed by two or more entities, leading to conflict.
• Annexation: The formal act of acquiring territory by conquest or occupation.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The video details the U.S.'s westward expansion in the 1800s, focusing on the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War. It highlights James K. Polk's role in provoking the war to acquire California, the racial motivations behind territorial expansion, and the oppression faced by Native Americans and Mexicans in the newly acquired territories. The video concludes with a reflection on the irony of the U.S.-Mexico border and a promotion for Skillshare, an online learning platform.