Westward Expansion

Manifest Destiny Americans had started moving from farms to cities. Through territorial expansion – the United States gained more territory and expanded its boundaries. In the mid 19th Century (1840s) Americans began to settle these new lands under the idea of manifest destiny. Manifest destiny – the idea that Americans should spread over the whole North American continent.

Westward Expansion The migration – the movement of people within a country from one area to another – is called westward expansion. Westward expansion is the movement of people from other parts of the country into the western territories.

Trails West Santa Fe Trail – was a 780 mile trail from Missouri to New Mexico. California Trail – trail that led to the gold fields of Northern California. Oregon Trail – was a 2,000 mile path used by settlers and missionaries from Missouri to Oregon. The first people to use the Oregon Trail were missionaries who wanted to convert the Indians to Christianity. The Oregon Trail crossed the Rocky Mountains through the South Pass, the only place wide enough for a heavy covered wagon to pass through.

The Mormon Migration The Mormons were a religious group who were persecuted by their neighbors in New York. Led by Joseph Smith, they followed the Oregon Trail and settled in Illinois. Here they practiced their religion, including polygamy – having more than one wife. Their neighbors printed papers against Mormon ideas. Joseph Smith destroyed their printing press. He was put in jail, but a group of men broke into the jail and killed him. Brigham Young took control of the Mormons and settled in what would become Salt Lake City, Utah. This was called the Mormon Trail.

54-40 or fight Americans were settling land in Oregon, but this land had also been claimed by Britain. The Americans shouted “54-40 or fight” – meaning they were willing to fight for the land at this point on the map (Oregon). By treaty, the US and Great Britain agreed to split the territory in half.

The Southwest America had added Louisiana through the Louisiana Purchase. The Adams-Onis Treaty had given America the Florida territory. In 1821 Mexico won its independence from Spain and claimed all Spain’s land in America.

Settling Texas The Mexican government was encouraging Americans to settle in Texas. Settlers were required to follow the rules: 1. become a Catholic 2. follow Mexican law

Santa Anna So many Americans came that soon they outnumbered the Mexicans. Many had brought slaves with them, which was against the law in Mexico. In 1833 an American, Stephen Austin, asked Mexican President Santa Anna for control over Texas. Santa Anna refused and in 1834 became dictator over Mexico.

Texas Independence The Battle of Gonzales happened when the Mexicans tried to take back a cannon that had been “loaned” to the Texans. It was the first fight between the Texans and Mexicans.

The Alamo The next battle took place at a Spanish mission called the Alamo. Santa Anna led the Mexican army in the battle. They defeated the Texans. The Texans adopted the phrase “Remember the Alamo” The Texans defeated the Mexicans at the battle of San Jacinto River. Santa Anna agreed to free Texas in exchange for his freedom. This developed the Republic of Texas.

War with Mexico After the Texas Revolution, the United States decided to annex Texas. Mexico did not want to give up the land. This led to the Mexican War.

The Mexican War Bear Flag Rebellion – the rebellion that occurred when Americans in California rebelled against Mexico as the Mexican War began. Their flag had a bear on it. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – Treaty the ended the Mexican War. Mexican Cecession – area ceded (given) to the US after the Mexican War. Gadsden Purchase – an area of land purchased from Mexico to build a railroad to California.

After the War At the end of the Mexican War, the current borders of the 48 states had been set.