Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War

Manifest Destiny Sense of mission or national destiny. Believed US had mission to extend boundaries of freedom to others by sharing idealism and democratic institutions—to those capable of self-government (not Native Americans or Mexicans) Idea God had determined America should stretch from East Coast to Pacific.

Reasons behind Manifest Destiny Population Increase Economic depressions—1818 and 1839 Abundance of cheap (or free) land in West. Expansion offered opportunities for new commerce. People began moving over new trails like Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail.

The results of Manifest Destiny….

Indian Removal Jackson’s Goal? 1830  Indian Removal Act Cherokee Nation v. GA (1831) * “domestic dependent nation” Worcester v. GA (1832) Jackson: John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!

Indian Removal

Trail of Tears (1838-1839) Van Buren ordered 20,000 Cherokees removed west. Rounded them up into camps 2000 died in camps, 2000 on 800 mile journey from Georgia to Indian Territory. ¼ people died. Land they did get was inferior to land they had before.

The Trail of Broken Treaties (1851-Present) Treaty of Fort Laramie—gave Native Americans land payments, agreed to boundaries for Native American lands. Within years, white settlers were already violating. Only first of many broken treaties.

Mexican-American War It all starts with Texas. At first Mexicans encourage American settlement. Conflicts over cultural issues, including slavery Americans who live there a rebellious bunch—start to clamor for independence.

Key Figures in Texas Independence, 1836 Sam Houston (1793-1863) Steven Austin (1793-1836)

General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Recaptures the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Recaptures the Alamo

Remember the Alamo!

Texas Declaration of Independence

The Republic of Texas

Victory in Texas Santa Anna forced to sign Treaty of Velasco—1836. Texas becomes independent. Americans wait ten years to annex Texas—because of issue of slavery and to avoid war with Mexico.

Other Foreign Policy Problems Tension with Britain—memories of previous wars, criticisms by Britain, creditor of US Conflicts over US helping Canadian rebels (Caroline incident) “Aroostook War” over Maine compromise over boundaries. Conflicts over Oregon 49th or 54,40? More Americans living in territory than British Compromised at 49th parallel despite anger of expansionists.

Tyler and the annexation of Texas Tyler becomes president in 1841 after Harrison dies 4 mos. into presidency. A very unpopular president, seemed more a Democrat than a Whig (opposed bank and tariff) Tyler wanted to do something before he left office to appease the people. Made sense to annex Texas, plus threats from Britain and France. When Democratic Polk wins in 1844, Tyler takes that as a mandate to annex Texas. MEXICO ANGRY!

The Road to War Polk elected in 1844, many see as mandate for manifest destiny. Desire to acquire California—American settlers already living there. Conflicts with Mexico over American claims and boundary disputes.

The Slidell Mission: Nov., 1845 Mexican recognition of the Rio Grande River as the TX-US border. US would forgive American citizens’ claims against the Mexican govt. US would purchase the New Mexico area for $5,000,000. US would buy California at any price. REFUSED! John Slidell

The Mexican War (1846-1848) 1846: Polk orders troops to march from the Nueces to the Rio Grande. Provoked Mexican Army into firing first Declaration of war despite those who asked for “spot resolutions” (Lincoln)

Divisions over War Southerners want war—will expand slavery Northerners oppose it for exact same reason --Anti-slavery groups take the lead

The Bear Flag Republic The Revolt  June 14, 1845 John C. Frémont

The Bombardment of Vera Cruz

General Scott Enters Mexico City US victory—September 1847

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1848 Nicholas Trist, American Negotiator

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, 1848 The Treaty was basically forced on Mexico! Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio Grande River. Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico. U. S. gave Mexico $15,000,000 and agreed to pay the claims of American citizens against Mexico (over $3,500,000). MEXICO LOST HALF OF ITS TERRITORY IN ALL!

Legacies of Mexican-American War “Small war”—not many lives lost Gained a ton of land (increased size of US by 1/3) Prepared military and soldiers for Civil War Led to Mexican resentment Rearoused issue of slavery which would lead to Civil War WILMOT PROVISO