Full Description
For the Mexican government to go to war with its more powerful northern neighbor in 1846 was folly. Mexico surrendered to the United States more than half a million square miles of territory, contributing to a legacy of distrust and bitterness towards the U.S. that has never entirely dissipated.
The real prize was California. The Californios--Spanish speaking, non-native inhabitants of the province of Alta (Upper) California--had ambiguous loyalties to the Mexican government and minimal military capabilities. American control of California was considered the keystone of Manifest Destiny, and naval and amphibious operations along the Pacific coast began as early as 1821 and continued for weeks after the end of the war. This book describes the often overlooked military and naval operations in California before and during the Mexican War, and introduces readers to the colorful Californios, the American adventurers who arrived after them, and the Indians, who preceded them both.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction: Causes and Conduct of the U.S.-Mexican War
1 • Peoples of California
2 • Foreigners in Alta California
3 • The Mexican Army in Alta California
4 • Preludes to War
5 • A Secret Mission to California
6 • The Californios Expel an American Expedition
7 • Frémont Prepares for War
8 • The Bear Flag Revolt
9 • The "Battle of Monterey" and the End of the Bear Flag Revolt
10 • The California Battalion
11 • Naval and Amphibious Operations I: From the Establishment of the American Blockade to the Capture of La Paz
12 • Naval and Amphibious Operations II: From the Capture of La Paz to the Return of the Sloop-of-War Cyane to Norfolk, Virginia
13 • The Californio Uprising and Its Aftermath
14 • The Army of the West and the Mormon Battalion
15 • The Battle of San Pascual
16 • The Treaty of Cahuenga
17 • The Earliest Days of the Gold Rush
18 • Frémont Is Court-Martialed
19 • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
20 • From Military to Civilian Rule
21 • Significance of the Pacific Campaigns of the U.S.-Mexican War
Chronology
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
