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DOCUMENT 13
RESOLUTION CONCERNING A FLAG FOR THE CHICAGO INVINCIBLES
May 12, 1846

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Explanation

On May 11, 1846, James K. Polk, the aggressive Democratic President, sent a message to Congress requesting a declaration of war against Mexico and on May 13, by a vote of 40 to 2 in the Senate and 174 to 14 in the House, Congress declared war. Polk issued a call for 50,000 volunteers. From Cook County 790 were inducted of which not more than 500 returned. From Illinois approximately 6,000 signed up. Illinois troops saw heavy duty in this campaign of conquest. The war was won quickly and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848.

Points to Consider

Why might Chicago citizens have supported or opposed the Mexican War?

What became of the Chicago Invincibles?

What kind of flag would have been presented the Invincibles?

How did Illinois congressmen vote on the war declaration and why?

See Related Document:  6, 18, 19, 22, and 33

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