Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy 1841 - 1848

“Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” Whig Party campaign for William Henry Harrison and John Tyler Whigs Daniel Webster and Henry Clay hoped to ‘control’ Harrison and therefore dominate politics Harrison gives 4 hour inaugural address in the cold – develops pneumonia Dies 31 days into office John Tyler becomes president Not a Whig (more of a Democrat in hiding) Vetoed Clay’s bills National Bank Protective Tariff

Texas Defeated Mexico in 1836 Mexico refuses to recognize Texan independence Mexico threatens war if USA protects Texas For 8 years, Texas acts as independent country Creates treaties with European countries (France, Holland, Belgium) Britain wanted to use Texas to drive a wedge through the United States Statehood becomes a major campaign issue in 1844 John Tyler invites Texas to become a state in 1845

"Fifty-four Forty or Fight!" Spain, Russia, Britain, and the US all claimed Oregon in 1818 By the 1840s, only the US and Britain continue to claim Oregon Oregon becomes campaign issue in 1844 as well 5,000+ Americans lived in Oregon at this time, outnumbering British

Election of 1844 Henry Clay - Whig (again!) V. James K. Polk – Democrat Polk wins election Promised to support and protect Texas Avoided the issue of slavery Very ‘PRO’ Manifest Destiny Has 4 major goals A lower tariff Restore the independent treasury Acquire California Settle Oregon dispute without violence

Manifest Destiny The belief that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Problems with Mexico (other than drinking water) Relations with Mexico were poor after the annexation of Texas Polk offered to buy California for $25 Million – rejected January, 1846 Polk sends troops to Mexican border Polk asks Congress for war (weak reasons) Mexican soldiers attack US troops first John C. Fremont ‘liberates’ California – Bear Flag Republic Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, Stephen Kearny led successful American attacks during the war

Results and Consequences War ends with Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – 2/2/1848 17,000 casualties (~2,000 battle deaths, 11,000+ dead from disease) War provides experience for future military leaders Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee Territorial disputes between the states erupt over slavery Wilmot Proviso/Amendment (Similar to Tallmadge Act/Amendment)