Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny It is “our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federated self-government entrusted to the U.S.” –James Sullivan

Spirit of Manifest Destiny

Age of Immigration 1845-1854 saw largest immigration population proportionate to total population in American history. Why? Irish German Rise of nativist groups

Gobierno de Mexicano Missions - political, economic and religious goals Very few Hispanics settled in western region due to lack of military protection on frontier

Americans in Texas Search for new cotton growing areas and Panic of 1819 Mexican government changes policy (initially encouraged American settlement but closed TX in 1830)

Texas Revolution Santa Anna (dictator/general) Sam Houston-leader Alamo Goliad Sam Houston-leader San Jacinto Forced Santa Anna to sign treaty granting independence Mexico still considered Texas a rebellious province

Was it all a game? California, Oregon, New Mexico Oregon Trail Just like the game By 1846, 5,000 Americans had settled in Oregon

Oh No! Not “Tyler too” Election of 1840 Tyler Whigs took control with Harrison (a figure head for Henry Clay) at the wheel Internal Improvements, tariffs Tyler Consistently vetoed his own party’s bills Resulted in congressional election of 1842 which left the Whigs in control of Senate, gave Democrats control of House and President who had no party support

Tyler’s foreign politics Aroostook War and The Webster-Ashburton Treaty Texas-denied Joint resolution Texas became part of the U.S. in 1845

Election time Again?! (1844) Role of Liberty Party Tyler (dropped out) Whigs Henry Clay - “Compromised away the Presidency” Democrats Van Buren? James K. Polk Role of Liberty Party James Birney

Polk the Persistent Goals Lower Tariff - Walker Tariff of 1846 Independent Treasury - passed in 1846 Acquisition of CA - Mexican War Settlement of Oregon dispute - 49th Parallel in 1846

Why fight Mexico? Not everyone happy Money Memories of Alamo Texas Mexico threatened war Texas citizens worried Polk forces a showdown b/c he wants California Not everyone happy Spot Resolutions Northerners

War (1846-1848) “Old Rough and Ready” (Taylor) and “Old Fuss and Feathers” (Scott) Taylor’s victories Rio Grande Buena Vista Scott’s victories Vera Cruz Mexico City Kearny and Fremont in California “Bear Flag Republic”

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mexico ceded Texas with Rio Grande boundary, NM, CA to U.S. U.S. assumed American debts to Mexican government and paid $15 million

Popular Opinion Media coverage Romance books Zachary Taylor - war hero Profits Increased size of U.S. by 1/3 Field experience Marine Corp

Opening Shots of Civil War? Polk’s view on slavery Wilmot Proviso Prohibition of slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico except Texas Constitutional? DID NOT PASS!