Westward Movementand Manifest Destiny

1. Define "manifest destiny." What forces contributed to the commitment to American expansion?

2. Why did the United States go to war with Mexico?

3. How does President Polk justify an American declaration of war against Mexico? Do you find his explanation convincing?

4. What were American motives for waging the war?

5. Why did opponents oppose the war?

6. What were the political consequences of the Mexican War

Territorial Expansion by the Territorial Expansion by the MidMid--Nineteenth CenturyNineteenth Century

Boundary vaguely defined in the area after the American Revolution – as the population began growing hostility developed between rival lumberjacks- led to a skirmish –

Results were a clearly defined boundary

Significant – proved issues could be resolved through diplomacy – laid groundwork for use of diplomacy in other matters

Manifest DestinyThe United States had the divine mission to extend its power and civilization across North America

Driven by population increase, rapid economic development, technological advances, and reform ideas.

Northerners argued it was the Southern ambition to spread slavery into western lands

Texas War of Independence

After Mexico won independence from Spain – wanted settlers to farm the land

By 1830, Americans outnumbered Mexicans 3 to 1

Friction developedMexico outlawed slavery

Required all immigrants to convert to Catholicism

American revolted – still many came

General Antonio Lopez de’ Santa Anna

Declared himself dictator of Mexico – 1834

Abolished the federal system of government

Enforced Mexico’s laws

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General Sam HoustonRevolted and declared Texas a independent republic – 1836

Battle of San JacintoCaught Mexicans off guard and captured Santa Anna

Forced to sign a treaty recognizing Texas’ independence

First president of the Republic of Texas

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Annexation of Texas

Both Jackson and Van Buren put off Texas’ request for statehood – opposition of expansion of slavery

Threat of war with Mexico dampened expansionist zeal

Tyler would try to annex Texas but Senate rejected the treaty in 1844

Annexing Texas

After the 1844 election - out going President Tyler will push for a joint resolution for annexation

This procedure required only a simple majority of each house

Polk was left with the problem of dealing with Mexico’s reaction

Election of 1844James K. Polk was the “dark horse” candidate of the democrats

From Tennessee

Protégé of Jackson

For Annexation of Texas, acquisition of California, and the “reoccupation” of Oregon

Whig nominee Henry Clay

Straddled the issue of annexationFirst for it then later against it

Alienated a group of voters in New York – proved decisive

James K. PolkAppealed to westerners and southerners who were in an expansionist mood

“Fifty-four Forty or Fight”Referred to the line of latitude that marked the border between the Oregon Territory and Russian Alaska

Oregon Treaty of 1846Compromised with Britain backed down from slogan

Negotiators agreed to divide at the 49th parallel

Had been established 1818 –Louisiana Purchase

Vancouver Island granted to Britain with navigation rights of the Columbia River

Northerners upset – thought removed potential free states

Mexican War 1846-1848

Polk will send Slidell to negotiate with Mexico

Sell the California and the New Mexico territories

Settle dispute Texas-Mexico border

Mexican government will refuse to sell and insist that Texas’ southern border was on the Nueces River

Immediate Cause for WarPolk will order Zachary Taylor to move his army toward the Rio GrandeMexican army crossed the Rio Grande and captured an American army patrol, killing 11Polk sends his already prepared message for war to Congress

Military CampaignsGeneral Zachary Taylor’s force of 6,000 men drove the Mexican force from Texas and won a major victory at Buena VistaGeneral Winfield Scott invades central Mexico and captures Mexico City Sept 1847

Consequences of War

War was disaster for Mexico

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

Rio Grande southern border of Texas

U.S. will pay $15 million for California and New Mexico

Impact of the Gold Rush

Brought 500,000 settlers to California Territory

First time in history individuals could attain great wealth

Spurred the development of the west