1. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War

2. Manifest Destiny Sense of mission or national destiny.
Believed US had mission to extend boundaries of freedom to others by sharing idealism and democratic institutions—to those capable of self-government (not Native Americans or Mexicans)
Idea God had determined America should stretch from East Coast to Pacific.

3. Reasons behind Manifest Destiny
Population Increase
Economic depressions—1818 and 1839
Abundance of cheap (or free) land in West.
Expansion offered opportunities for new commerce.
People began moving over new trails like Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail.

4. The results of Manifest Destiny….

5. Indian Removal Jackson’s Goal? 1830  Indian Removal Act
Cherokee Nation v. GA (1831) * “domestic dependent nation”
Worcester v. GA (1832)
Jackson: John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!

6. Indian Removal

7. Trail of Tears ( )
Van Buren ordered 20,000 Cherokees removed west.
Rounded them up into camps
2000 died in camps, 2000 on 800 mile journey from Georgia to Indian Territory.
¼ people died.
Land they did get was inferior to land they had before.

8. The Trail of Broken Treaties (1851-Present)
Treaty of Fort Laramie—gave Native Americans land payments, agreed to boundaries for Native American lands.
Within years, white settlers were already violating.
Only first of many broken treaties.

9. Mexican-American War It all starts with Texas.
At first Mexicans encourage American settlement.
Conflicts over cultural issues, including slavery
Americans who live there a rebellious bunch—start to clamor for independence.

10. Key Figures in Texas Independence, 1836
Sam Houston ( )
Steven Austin ( )

11. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Recaptures the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo
General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Recaptures the Alamo

12. Remember the Alamo!

13. Texas Declaration of Independence

14. The Republic of Texas

15. Victory in Texas Santa Anna forced to sign Treaty of Velasco—1836.
Texas becomes independent.
Americans wait ten years to annex Texas—because of issue of slavery and to avoid war with Mexico.

16. Other Foreign Policy Problems
Tension with Britain—memories of previous wars, criticisms by Britain, creditor of US
Conflicts over US helping Canadian rebels (Caroline incident)
“Aroostook War” over Maine compromise over boundaries.
Conflicts over Oregon
49th or 54,40?
More Americans living in territory than British
Compromised at 49th parallel despite anger of expansionists.

17. Tyler and the annexation of Texas
Tyler becomes president in 1841 after Harrison dies 4 mos. into presidency.
A very unpopular president, seemed more a Democrat than a Whig (opposed bank and tariff)
Tyler wanted to do something before he left office to appease the people.
Made sense to annex Texas, plus threats from Britain and France.
When Democratic Polk wins in 1844, Tyler takes that as a mandate to annex Texas.
MEXICO ANGRY!

18. The Road to War
Polk elected in 1844, many see as mandate for manifest destiny.
Desire to acquire California—American settlers already living there.
Conflicts with Mexico over American claims and boundary disputes.

19. The Slidell Mission: Nov., 1845
Mexican recognition of the Rio Grande River as the TX-US border.
US would forgive American citizens’ claims against the Mexican govt.
US would purchase the New Mexico area for $5,000,000.
US would buy California at any price.
REFUSED!
John Slidell

20. The Mexican War ( )
1846: Polk orders troops to march from the Nueces to the Rio Grande.
Provoked Mexican Army into firing first
Declaration of war despite those who asked for “spot resolutions” (Lincoln)

21. Divisions over War Southerners want war—will expand slavery
Northerners oppose it for exact same reason
--Anti-slavery groups take the lead

22. The Bear Flag Republic
The Revolt  June 14, 1845
John C. Frémont

23. The Bombardment of Vera Cruz

24. General Scott Enters Mexico City
US victory—September 1847

25. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1848
Nicholas Trist, American Negotiator

26. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1848
The Treaty was basically forced on Mexico!
Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio Grande River.
Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico.
U. S. gave Mexico $15,000,000 and agreed to pay the claims of American citizens against Mexico (over $3,500,000).
MEXICO LOST HALF OF ITS TERRITORY IN ALL!

27. Legacies of Mexican-American War
“Small war”—not many lives lost
Gained a ton of land (increased size of US by 1/3)
Prepared military and soldiers for Civil War
Led to Mexican resentment
Rearoused issue of slavery which would lead to Civil War
WILMOT PROVISO