Westward Movement and Manifest Destiny

1. Define "manifest destiny 1. Define "manifest destiny." What forces contributed to the commitment to American expansion? 2. Why did the United States go to war with Mexico? 3. How does President Polk justify an American declaration of war against Mexico? Do you find his explanation convincing? 4. What were American motives for waging the war? 5. Why did opponents oppose the war? 6. What were the political consequences of the Mexican War

Boundary vaguely defined in the area after the American Revolution – as the population began growing hostility developed between rival lumberjacks- led to a skirmish – Results were a clearly defined boundary Significant – proved issues could be resolved through diplomacy – laid groundwork for use of diplomacy in other matters

Manifest Destiny The United States had the divine mission to extend its power and civilization across North America Driven by population increase, rapid economic development, technological advances, and reform ideas. Northerners argued it was the Southern ambition to spread slavery into western lands

Texas War of Independence After Mexico won independence from Spain – wanted settlers to farm the land By 1830, Americans outnumbered Mexicans 3 to 1 Friction developed Mexico outlawed slavery Required all immigrants to convert to Catholicism American revolted – still many came

General Antonio Lopez de’ Santa Anna Declared himself dictator of Mexico – 1834 Abolished the federal system of government Enforced Mexico’s laws www.il.ngb.army.mil/ museum/images/santa.jpg

www.lonestarantiquemaps.com/ hrpsam1861L.jpg General Sam Houston Revolted and declared Texas a independent republic – 1836 Battle of San Jacinto Caught Mexicans off guard and captured Santa Anna Forced to sign a treaty recognizing Texas’ independence First president of the Republic of Texas www.lonestarantiquemaps.com/ hrpsam1861L.jpg

Annexation of Texas Both Jackson and Van Buren put off Texas’ request for statehood – opposition of expansion of slavery Threat of war with Mexico dampened expansionist zeal Tyler would try to annex Texas but Senate rejected the treaty in 1844

Annexing Texas After the 1844 election - out going President Tyler will push for a joint resolution for annexation This procedure required only a simple majority of each house Polk was left with the problem of dealing with Mexico’s reaction

Election of 1844 Whig nominee Henry Clay James K. Polk was the “dark horse” candidate of the democrats From Tennessee Protégé of Jackson For Annexation of Texas, acquisition of California, and the “reoccupation” of Oregon Whig nominee Henry Clay Straddled the issue of annexation First for it then later against it Alienated a group of voters in New York – proved decisive Clay will loose electoral votes in New York – Whigs of New York joined the Liberty Party

James K. Polk Appealed to westerners and southerners who were in an expansionist mood “Fifty-four Forty or Fight” Referred to the line of latitude that marked the border between the Oregon Territory and Russian Alaska

Oregon Treaty of 1846 Compromised with Britain backed down from slogan Negotiators agreed to divide at the 49th parallel Had been established 1818 –Louisiana Purchase Vancouver Island granted to Britain with navigation rights of the Columbia River Northerners upset – thought removed potential free states

Mexican War 1846-1848 Polk will send Slidell to negotiate with Mexico Sell the California and the New Mexico territories Settle dispute Texas-Mexico border Mexican government will refuse to sell and insist that Texas’ southern border was on the Nueces River

Immediate Cause for War Polk will order Zachary Taylor to move his army toward the Rio Grande Mexican army crossed the Rio Grande and captured an American army patrol, killing 11 Polk sends his already prepared message for war to Congress

Military Campaigns General Zachary Taylor’s force of 6,000 men drove the Mexican force from Texas and won a major victory at Buena Vista General Winfield Scott invades central Mexico and captures Mexico City Sept 1847

Consequences of War War was disaster for Mexico Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) Rio Grande southern border of Texas U.S. will pay $15 million for California and New Mexico

Impact of the Gold Rush Brought 500,000 settlers to California Territory First time in history individuals could attain great wealth Spurred the development of the west