Mexican History of Arizona

Arizona GeographyGCU 221

Game Plan• Spain flounders and Mexico wins their independence

in 1821, Arizona a backwater• Mexico fails to support Arizona presidios, Apache raids

increase• Texas and the Alamo • Trappers illegally trap in Arizona• “Army of the West” takes over New Mexico without

firing a shot.• Gadsen Purchase in 1854 grants the territory south of

the Gila River as part of Arizona (for $10 million)

Spain flounders, Mexicans win Independence between 1810 and 1821

Mexican born lower class citizens were waging a guerilla campaign against Spanish born and sponsored government leaders.

The Mexican aristocrats switch sides (due to a liberal charter from Spain) and join up with the lower classes as Spain struggles with Napoleon and their own revolution.

Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848

Mexican Arizona flounders with little support from the south.

The 10 year war with Spain for their independence ruined the silver mining industry and bankrupted the country. As such, money stopped

flowing into the Arizona missions and presidios, which floundered.

Mexican Presidios in Arizona Struggle from Apache Raids

Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848

With Mexico struggling with money, revolutions erupt throughout the country.

Juan Banderas, a Yaqui native, worked to form a pan-Indian nation in northern Mexico and southern Arizona with Maya, Opata, and Pima

tribes. His revolution failed and he was executed in 1833.

Mexican Arizona 1821 to 1848

Tucson remains a settlement with 1,000 inhabitants as Mexican influence in the region wanes.

Mexican immigration into traditional O’odham land causes tensions, as the mission system fails to serve as a divide

between the two cultures. Mexicans use land grants to build giant ranches in southern Arizona, but raided by Apaches

Texas wins their independence and in 1845

joins the US

Mexico allows immigrants from the US into the Texas region, thought to act as a buffer from raiding Comanche.

Mexicans unhappy with their President, General Santa Ana, due to the passage of Siete Leyes, a controversial document that modified the Mexican constitution.

The last stand of the Alamo rallies the Texans under Sam Houston

Arizona is a backwater, visited by foreign trappers like Kit Carson in the early 1800s

First entered Arizona along the Gila River drainage trapping beaver in 1829. The

last Rendezvous in 1840, as the mountain men were running out of game to trap.

After trapping, guided for Fremont as scout and guide

James Polk Presidency 1845 to 1849

Said he would only run one term, and he did, then died 3 months later.

Known as “Napoleon of the Stump”, he was former speak of the House.

He oversaw the construction of the Smithsonian and the U.S. Naval Academy.

A “dark horse” candidate, gained the democratic ticket because he strongly favored annexing Texas..

Mexican-American War 1846 to 1848

Army of the West, called the land of Arizona worthless, and wondered what use will it be.

Led by General Stephen Kearny, leading the northern front of the campaign to get ground forces in California

Battle of San Pasqual, after rushing into battle with Mexican cavalry, the Americans were heavily wounded. While trying to make there way to San Diego for naval support, they were trapped on a hill and

eventually rescued.

Mexican-American WarAfter an arduous journey across Arizona and the Mojave, found out California back in Mexican control.

Mule Hill

Mormon Battalion takes over Tucson in 1846

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War 1848

Travelled over 1,900 miles on foot. Agreed to help fight the Mexican-American War to relations with the US. Secured Arizona during the

war and the later Gadsden Purchase. Only battle known as the Battle of the Bulls, where they fought stampeding wild bulls.

Gadsden Purchase, 1854

$10 million to finish Arizona Territory, 30,000 square miles

Following the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildago where 500,000 square miles of territory was added to the US, some Americans realized a little more would be very useful. The Mormon Battalion realized

an excellent route through Arizona to southern California. Without the Gadsden Purchase, the route would not work.

• Spain flounders and Mexico wins their independence in 1821, Arizona a backwater

• Mexico fails to support Arizona presidios, Apache raids increase

• Texas and the Alamo • Trappers illegally trap in Arizona• “Army of the West” and the Mormon

Battalion takes over Arizona, without firing a shot.

• Gadsen Purchase in 1854 grants the territory south of the Gila River as part of Arizona

Things to know:

Help: Ask Dr. Douglass