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Manifest Destiny
Belief that God gave America the right (and purpose) “to stretch from sea to shining sea”
Started with the Louisiana Purchase
Western Trails
• Oregon Trail• Santa Fe Trail• California Trail• Mormon Trail
Independence, Missouri -- the jumping off place for many settlers heading west.
Texas Revolution
• American settlers came to Texas in the 1820s.
• By the 1830s, many of them wanted independence from Mexico.
“Remember the Alamo”
William B. Travis & 150 Texans fought at a mission called the Alamo.
All were killed by the army of Mexican general, Santa Anna.
Battle of San Jacinto
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Houston defeated Santa Anna’s army. He became the president of the Lone Star Republic.
Texas Annexation1845
Texans expected to become part of the U.S. after their war for independence from Mexico.
It wasn’t that easy . . .
Northerners were opposed.
Two problems:
1. A new slave state would upset the balance of power in the Senate.
2. Annexation would lead to war with Mexico.
Oregon Territory
• Oregon had been owned jointly with Britain.
• Expansionists wanted the U.S. border to be at the 54 > 40’ .
1846 -- Treaty with Britain set the line at the 49th parallel.
54 > 40’ or Fight!
Mexican War
Mexico thought the border of Texas should look like this.
The U.S. thought the border should include the gold area.
• Zachary Taylor invaded from Texas.
• Winfield Scott was the winner at Mexico City.
Mexican Cession
Mexico gave up the entire Southwest for $15 million.
Almost the size of the Louisiana Purchase!
Gadsden Purchase
• Southerners wanted the Transcontinental Railroad to take a southern route.
• Mexico sold a strip of land for $10 million.
The last territory addition to the “lower 48.”
James K. Polk
As President, he added more territory to the U.S. than any other.
• Texas• Oregon• Mexican Cession