The Bear Flag Revolt of 1846 sparked a chain of events leading to the Mexican-American War. American settlers in California, driven by Manifest Destiny, rebelled against Mexican rule, setting the stage for U.S. military intervention.

The war saw American forces launch a multi-pronged invasion of Mexico, using superior tactics and technology. Key battles in California, New Mexico, and central Mexico led to the U.S. victory, reshaping the continent's political landscape.

The Bear Flag Revolt and American Military Campaigns

Origins of Bear Flag Revolt

• Short-lived insurrection in June 1846 by American settlers in California against Mexican government
  • Settlers led by John C. Frémont seized control of Sonoma, raised "Bear Flag" proclaiming independent California Republic
• Driven by growing tensions between American settlers and Mexican authorities
  • Desire for independence from Mexico, potential annexation by United States
  • Belief in Manifest Destiny, concept that American expansion across continent was justified and inevitable
• Had significant consequences despite being short-lived
  • Contributed to outbreak of Mexican-American War
  • Facilitated American conquest of California by weakening Mexican control, providing pretext for U.S. military intervention

Military campaigns in Mexican-American War

• Began in May 1846 following U.S. annexation of Texas, dispute over border between Texas and Mexico
• American forces launched multi-pronged invasion of Mexico, including campaigns in California and New Mexico
  • Colonel Stephen W. Kearny led Army of the West, captured Santa Fe, New Mexico in August 1846 without firing a shot
  • Commodore John D. Sloat and later Commodore Robert F. Stockton led naval forces that captured key ports of Monterey and San Francisco in California
  • Frémont and California Battalion, along with Stockton's forces, captured Los Angeles in August 1846 completing conquest of California
• In central Mexico, American forces under General Zachary Taylor won key battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma near Rio Grande in May 1846
• General Winfield Scott led amphibious invasion of Mexico
  1. Captured port of Veracruz in March 1847
  2. Marched inland to capture Mexico City in September 1847, effectively ending major combat operations

American strategies and tactics

• Employed combination of naval power, mobility, and superior technology to overwhelm Mexican defenses
  • Naval blockades and amphibious landings allowed striking deep into Mexican territory, seizing key ports
  • Use of steam-powered ships and river boats provided greater mobility and logistical support
• American artillery and firearms gave significant advantage over Mexican troops
  • Particularly new percussion cap rifles vs older, less reliable flintlock muskets
• U.S. Army's training and discipline, honed during earlier Second Seminole War (1835-1842), proved superior to Mexican Army
• Strategies and tactics highly effective in achieving military objectives
  • Multi-pronged invasion stretched Mexican defenses, prevented concentrated response
  • Capture of key cities and ports (Veracruz, Mexico City) disrupted Mexican supply lines, demoralized enemy forces
  • Decisive defeat of Mexican Army in the field and occupation of Mexico City forced Mexico to sue for peace

Contributions of diverse groups

• California Battalion led by John C. Frémont played crucial role in American conquest of California
  • Composed of American settlers and adventurers
  • Participated in capture of Sonoma during Bear Flag Revolt, later assisted in capture of Los Angeles
  • Actions helped solidify American control over California, paved way for annexation
• Mormon Battalion composed of nearly 500 volunteers from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made significant contribution
  • Undertook grueling 2,000-mile march from Iowa to California, longest infantry march in U.S. military history
  • Presence reinforced American control over Southwest and California despite not engaging in combat
  • March helped open new routes for westward expansion and settlement
• Native American tribes in West (Pueblos, Navajos) impacted by war and American conquest
  • Some tribes like Pueblos initially welcomed American forces as liberators from Mexican rule but soon subjected to U.S. control and policies
  • Other tribes like Navajos faced increasing pressure and conflict with American settlers and military forces in aftermath of war