Battle of Monterey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Battle of Monterey
Part of Mexican-American War
Date July 7, 1846
Location Monterey, California
Result U.S. victory
Combatants
United States Mexico
Commanders
John D. Sloat  ?
Strength
Pacific Squadron  ?
Casualties
 ?  ?

The Battle of Monterey, at Monterey, California (sometimes confused with the Battle of Monterrey, in Nuevo León), was waged on July 7, 1846, during the Mexican-American War. United States naval forces under Commodore John D. Sloat, in command of the United States Pacific Squadron, opposed a small group of Mexican Coast Guard.

Contents

[edit] Skirmish

The battle was little more than a skirmish, with most of the Mexican detachments protecting the city surrendering without firing a shot. A handful of shore batteries attempted to resist Sloat but were quickly silenced by the American warships.

[edit] Aftermath

Of chief interest is the controversy surrounding the battle. While Sloat was an officer of the United States Navy, he was not authorized to attack any portion of California and was instead reprimanded for his action by President James K. Polk. In addition, Sloat's famous declaration, annexing California to the United States, was met with bitterness and anger by many of the native Californios.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Bauer, K. Jack, The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848