Manifest Destiny and the U.S.-Mexican War

Manifest Destiny Term originated by newspaper editor John O’Sullivan in 1845 Merging of political and economic goals Many people supported expansion through any means necessary

Election of 1844 James K. Polk - Democrat Supported manifest destiny “Dark horse” candidate Congressman from Tennessee Supported manifest destiny Occupy Oregon to the 54° 40’ parallel Annex Texas as a slave state

One of Polk’s campaign slogans – “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

Oregon Territory Territory split at the 49th parallel to avoid war with Great Britain Used the existing border and drew it to the Pacific Ocean

Texas Annexation Northerners opposed annexation of Texas Annexation by a joint-resolution passed in the U.S. Congress in Dec. 1845 Border dispute ensues U.S. – Rio Grande River Mexico – Nueces River

Relations with Mexico Polk sent diplomat John Slidell to Mexico to negotiate Offered $25 million for California, the New Mexico territory, & Rio Grande as the Texas border President of Mexico refused and broke off diplomatic relations

Outbreak of War General Zachary Taylor order to march beyond the Nueces River Camped at the Rio Grande In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande River & attacked

Polk’s Appeal to Congress Polk and his cabinet saw the attack as an act of war “…invaded our country and shed American blood on American soil.” Congress declared war on May 11, 1846 Northerners called it American aggression against a weaker neighbor to extend slavery Illinois congressman Lincoln claimed the spot was clearly in Mexico

Polk’s War Strategy Gen. Taylor invaded northern Mexico General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City from the Gulf of Mexico

War in the West Gen. Stephen Kearny marched west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California John C. Fremont leads the Bear Flag Revolt by Americans in California

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo End of the war Signed at Basilica of Guadalupe at Villa Hidalgo Rio Grande is the southern border of the U.S. Mexico recognized Texas as part of the U.S. Paid $15 million for California and New Mexico territory

Anti-slavery Democrats formed this party Because of Polk’s failing health and because he had accomplished all he wanted in one term, he did not seek reelection

Completion of Manifest Destiny Southerners desired a flat land for a southern transcontinental railroad Wanted to link southern land to the Pacific Gadsden Purchase In 1853, purchased from Mexico for $10 million dollars