1. Manifest Destiny
How did Manifest Destiny influence westward expansion?
Why did settlers move west during the mid-1800s?
What was the experience of settlers as they moved west?

2. Manifest Destiny
The 19th century belief that the United States would inevitably expand westward to the Pacific Ocean and into Mexican territory.
Manifest: obvious, inevitable
Destiny: predestined by God

3. Origins of term
The annexation of Texas “is the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”
-John O’Sullivan, editor of U.S. Magazine and Democratic Review 1845
Author? Audience? Purpose?
Three key words?

4. Canals transform America
Real growth in the movement of people and goods west started with the canal
ERIE CANAL- 1825
opened up the unsettled northern regions of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
New York City became the principal gateway to the West
created strong bonds between the new western territories and the northern states.

5. Oregon Trail Oregon fever swept the nation in the 1840s.
Families in caravans of 20 or 30 braved the elements to reach Oregon or California.
The CONESTOGA WAGON, oxen and supplies were costly.
It took six months of travel at the speed of fifteen miles per day.

7. Railroads transform America
 With their formation, construction and operation, they brought profound social, economic and political change
Transcontinental railroad
In 1869, the Central Pacific starting in San Francisco joined the Union Pacific, starting in Omaha, Nebraska
Immigrant labor: mainly Irish for the Union Pacific and Chinese for the Central Pacific.

8. Railroad

9. Railroad

10. Reasons for moving west
Personal economic problems
The Panic of 1837 – a fresh start in the West
Abundance of land in the West (farming or speculation)
Merchants seeking new markets

11. Read your settler card with your group:
1. Motivation for moving west?
2. Obstacles/struggles faced?
3. Long-term success or failure?

12. Americans in Texas Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.
American immigration encouraged
In 1823, STEPHEN AUSTIN led 300 American families onto land granted to his father by the Mexican government. 
Americans expected to:
Residents for 10 years
Pledge loyalty to Mexico
Become Catholic
Outlaw slavery

13. Texas Revolution
In 1835, war broke out between Mexican troops and Texan revolutionaries, led by Sam Houston.
On March 2, 1836, representatives from Texas formally declared their independence.
March 6, General Santa Anna completed an infamous siege on the ALAMO mission.
“Remember the Alamo”
13 days: 5,000 Mexicans against 187 Texans

14. The Lone Star Republic
On May 14, 1836, Santa Anna grudgingly recognized Texan independence.
1842: Mexican president Santa Anna warned that U.S. annexation would be considered an act of war.
Texas was the “Lone Star Republic” for nine years until it was annexed by the U.S. in 1845.

15. Trouble in Texas Boundary dispute:
Mexico claimed that the southern boundary of Texas was the Nueces River
Americans claimed that the boundary of Texas was the Rio Grander River
President Polk sent Mexico an offer for $30 million for CA, NM territories
Goal: to acquire the rich ports of California
President Polk's true goal was to acquire the rich ports of California. He envisioned a lucrative trade with the Far East that would revolve around San Francisco and Monterey. Great Britain also had designs on the territory, so Polk thought he would have to act fast. He sentJOHN SLIDELL to Mexico with an offer. The United States would pay Mexico a combined sum of $30 million for the Texan boundary of the Rio Grande, New Mexico territory, and California.

17. “American Blood on American Soil!”
Mexico refused; American honor had been challenged.
May 9, 1846, Mexican soldiers fired upon Americans on the “Texas side” of the Rio Grande.
 From the standpoint of Mexico, the United States had invaded their territory.
Polk appeared before Congress on May 11 and declared that Mexico had invaded the U.S.
Congress passed a war declaration by an overwhelming majority.
Was Polk justified in ordering Taylor to cross the Nueces River?
 Yes
 No

18. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Polk directed the war from Washington, D.C. He sent a 4-prong attack into the Mexican heartland. 
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.
The US received the disputed Texan territory, as well as NEW MEXICO territory and CALIFORNIA.
Was Polk justified in ordering Taylor to cross the Nueces River?

19. Nationalism

20. Was the United States justified in taking half of Mexico's territory in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?