CHAPTER XXII.

THE MEXICAN WAR—FROM 1848 TO 1860 638

Causes of the war—Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma—Taking of Monterey—Battle of Buena Vista—Gen. Scott in Mexico—His long succession of victories—Enters the City of Mexico—Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo—Increase of territory—Discovery of gold in California—California applies for admission as a State—Raises the violent opposition of Slave States—Compromises of 1850—Taylor and Fillmore—Pierce’s Administration—Repeal of the Missouri Compromise—Troubles in Kansas—Buchanan’s Administration—Preparation for Secession—Growth of the Republican party.