The belief that America should spread from coast to coast! Manifest Destiny The belief that America should spread from coast to coast!

American Progress by George A. Crofutt and John Gast Who is the woman in white? What two objects is she holding? What are the pioneers doing? What types of transportation can be seen? What are the Native Americans and animals doing? What direction are they traveling? What is your opinion of manifest destiny as it is depicted in this painting? American Progress by George A. Crofutt and John Gast

Belief that the US should expand its territory from coast to coast “Manifest Destiny” Belief that the US should expand its territory from coast to coast

Reasons for Manifest Destiny: Economic Belief that people could become more wealthy (Gold Rush, plantation system, natural resources) Land speculators bought huge tracts of land and sold it for a profit

Reasons for Manifest Destiny: Social Racism- lack of concern for Natives, desire to expand slavery Escape from religious persecution (Mormons) Famine and economic struggles in Europe Irish potato famine (1845-1850) Belief that all people should own plot of land to keep the country free (“American Dream”)

Reasons for Manifest Destiny: Political Fear of foreign powers invading Spanish, French, English, and Mexican Desire to spread Democracy and the “American” way of life Desire to spread the institution of slavery west Slave states = Southern support in Congress

US Territorial Expansion A - 13 Original Colonies When? A 1776 From Where? Great Britain Why? Colonies declared independence from Great Britain

US Territorial Expansion B - Western Lands When? 1783 From Where? Great Britain Why? A B Result of Treaty of Paris 1783 (ended Revolutionary War)

US Territorial Expansion When? 1803 C - Louisiana Purchase From Where? France Why? Napoleon needed money Jefferson wanted New Orleans He got all of this instead for 15 mil ! A C B

US Territorial Expansion When? D - Florida 1819 From Where? Spain Why? A Adams-Onis Treaty (1819) Spain sold it to U.S. for $5 million C B D

E, S, or P? Each one of the following speakers represents someone living during the mid 1800’s. Read each speakers quote, and decide their motivation for moving West. Are they relocating for ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, or POLTICAL reasons?

“I am a farmer in Missouri “I am a farmer in Missouri. The land is wearing out from years of growing crops, and I need new farmland in order to provide for my family.” E, S or P?

“I am a Texan living in the Republic of Texas “I am a Texan living in the Republic of Texas. I am worried about our republic’s economy and safety. We need to become part of the United States.” E, S or P?

“I am a congressman from the North “I am a congressman from the North. I want to expand the great democracy of America all the way across the continent.” E, S or P?

“I am a missionary. I want to share my religion with the Native Americans in the West.” E, S or P?

“I am a Mormon facing persecution for my religious beliefs “I am a Mormon facing persecution for my religious beliefs. I need to find a place to live where I can practice my religion freely.” E, S or P?

“I am a fur trader living west of the Mississippi River “I am a fur trader living west of the Mississippi River. I need a better way to transport my furs to trading posts.” E, S or P?

“Mr. Manifest Destiny” President James K. Polk 11th President Added more territory to the US than any other President

Texas Independence March 2, 1836: Texas declared independence Elected Sam Houston as President Victory at San Jacinto Under force, Santa Anna sign Treaties of Velasco Mexico rejects the treaty and never recognized Texas Independence Texas Independence

U.S. Annexation of Texas Texas immediately asks for annexation by U.S. North opposes for fear slavery will spread Official annexation on 12/29/1845 Mexico sees annexation as a declaration of WAR!

Factors Leading to Mexican-American War Mexican anger over Texas annexation Dispute over Texas/Mexican border Nueces River vs. Rio Grande Instability of Mexican government 19 governments in 25 years Polk’s drive to expand Believed he must create a coast-to-coast nation Southerners hoped to expand slavery into Texas

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Recognized TX as part of U.S. Gave up the Mexican Cession (1848) Annexed half of Mexico to the U.S. U.S. paid $15 million for it Created Rio Grande as border In 1853 Gadsden Purchase solidifies southern boundary Wanted to extend Trans-Continental Railroad Mexico sells it to us for $10 million “from sea to shining sea” Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Oregon: 54° 40’ or Fight! In his campaign, Polk talked about taking all of Oregon Slogan: 54° 40’ or Fight! Rather than fight, he settled for half U.S. and Britain decide to divide Oregon in 1846 Extended the boundary already dividing the U.S. and Canada Boundary remains today

US Territorial Expansion When? E - Texas 1845 From Where? Republic of Texas Why? A Texas independent from Mexico in 1836 Annexed in 1845 despite Northern fears that it would become a slave state C B E D

US Territorial Expansion When? 1846 F - Oregon Territory From Where? Great Britain Why? F Disputed between U.S. and Britain Americans demanded “54° 40’ or fight!,” but agreed to British compromise C A B E D

US Territorial Expansion When? 1848 G - Mexican Cession From Where? Mexico Why? F Polk offers to buy from Mexico & they refuse, leading to War In Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, U.S. buys for $15 million C A B G E D

US Territorial Expansion When? 1853 H- Gadsden Purchase From Where? Mexico Why? F Wanted it to build a transcontinental railroad Purchased for $10 million, solidifying our southern border C A B G H E D

Trails West

Obstacles Faced by Trail Travelers Rockies & harsh terrain Animals Disease & Exhaustion Indians (sometimes hostile) Starvation Harsh weather

California Gold Rush and the 49-ers! James Marshall was building a sawmill when he spotted gold People from all over the world raced to California in 1849 Nick-named the Forty-Niners Thousands of men hoped to get rich quick then go home Majority did not find gold By 1852, all of the gold was gone but California now had a population of over 250,000 Could now become the first state in the West California Gold Rush and the 49-ers!