Come and Take It: Texas, California, and the Road to War

From Santa Anna's rise to power and his shift into dictatorship, to the opening shots at Gonzales and the brutality at Goliad, we trace how Texian resistance escalated into a broader national conflict. We also discuss how Manifest Destiny shaped public sentiment, how the U.S. used diplomatic maneuvering backed by military force, and how the Marine Corps, despite its small size, played a crucial role in shaping the campaign. You'll hear about General Zachary Taylor's early victories, the strategic occupation of Matamoros, and how Marines were used to project force along both coasts.