Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion (1830-1845) J.A.SACCO

“Manifest Destiny” Manifest Destiny had an immense impact on the expansion of the U.S. . Texas Caused the start of the Mexican War and gained the SW of the U.S.. Oregon California Conestoga Wagon

Why Oregon? “Onward to Oregon” Manifest Destiny- Propaganda of expansionist like Hall J. Kelley who organized a society for the settlement of Oregon. Missionaries- Marcus/Narcissa Whitman reports of climate/soil suitable for farming Oregon Trail would eventually make the journey possible Foreclosure of farms because of the Panic of 1837

Early Settlement of the West The first Americans attracted to the west were Mountain Men like Jedediah Smith who blazed trails across the Sierra Nevada into California. The Mountain Men crossed the Rockies seeking beaver pelts. They established fur trading routes later followed by wagon trains of settlers. Established the “rendezvous system” to trade their goods.

Early Settlement of the West During the 1840s, 20,000 Americans migrated to Oregon, Utah, and California by covered wagon. In 1836, the missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman established a fur trading post on what became the Oregon Trail. Many were attracted to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 1842, John C. Freemont led an expedition following trails blazed by the Whitmans and the Mountain Men. His reports attracted settlers.

Overland Immigration to the West Between 1840 and 1860, more than 250,000 people made the trek westward. Would later lead to problems with the Cayuse Indians in Oregon

The Oregon Dispute: 54° 40’ or Fight! By the mid-1840s, “Oregon Fever” was spurred on by the promise of free land. The joint British-U. S. occupation ended in 1846. Americans want entire region to 54° 40’. Polk not wiling to fight Br. Already involved with Mexico Eventually divide Oregon at 49th parallel

Trails Westward Dangers along the Trail?

The Doomed Donner Party April, 1846 – April, 1847

The Great Southwest and California Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821- 80,000 Mexicans in region By 1830- Mexico begins to encourage trade with United States over Santa Fe Trail. American goods traded for Mexican horses, mules, beaver pelts and silver. William Becknell (1821) first in area.

The Great Southwest and California What event created the mad rush to California in the 1840’s?

GOLD! At Sutter’s Mill, 1848 John A. Sutter

California Gold Rush, 1849 49er’s

Two Views of San Francisco, Early 1850s By 1860, almost 300,000 people had traveled the Oregon & California Trails to the Pacific coast.