Buchanan’s Gambit
In Texas, the Mexican army tried to stop General Zachary Taylor’s army at the Battle of Sabine River. The Mexicans dealt more casualties vs the attacking US army but had to retreat as more US reinforcements started to arrive.
The Mexican Army retreated as a larger US army poured in Sabine River. The Mexican Army tried to delay the advancing US army to give Mexico a chance to muster a larger army.
The Mexicans fought Taylor’s army again near San Jacinto River. As the Mexicans were gaining the upper hand, U.S. reinforcements poured in. The Mexican army retreated to San Antonio.
In New Mexico, General Kearny moved southwest from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in June 30, 1846 with about 2,500 men in his Army of the West. Kearny's orders were to secure New Mexico and Alta California.
He was met by a smaller Mexican army. The Mexicans were aided by native American Indians. The two armies engaged at Apache Canyon to delay until a larger army can muster in Santa Fe.
The Mexican army retreated but not after dealing more casualties to Kearny’s army. The native American Indians continued to harass Kearny’s army after battle.
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James Buchanan, president of the United States, set goals for his administration.
Some of the goals of his administration were - acquire some or all of Oregon Country and Acquire California and its harbors from Mexico.
Since the signing of the Anglo-American treaty in 1818, the Oregon County had been under joint occupation by the United States and the British Empire. Previous US Presidents offered to divide region along the 49th parallel which Britain refused.
In Buchanan’s inaugural address, U.S. claims on Oregon was clear and unquestionable. He emphasizes his campaign of Fifty-four Forty or Fight!
Early of 1845, Buchanan sent more troops in Oregon Territory hoping to pressure the British and force a better outcome in their negotiations favoring the United States.
Hawkish members of U.S. Congress were calling for war in December of 1845 anything short of Parallel 54-40 north.
U.S. made offers to Britain that were rejected. Negotiations broke down as each party refuse to reach a compromise.
On July 10, 1846 US Army exchanged fire with British troops. Hostilities escalated quickly as more British and U.S. troops fought one another.
Before news of the initial skirmish reaches Washington, US troops have moved above the 49th parallel chasing retreating British troops. Newspapers in Washington blame the British for starting a war and the British are in full retreat.
The British have already recognized hostilities and are pouring in reinforcements.
The North American War begins.