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

“Manifest Destiny” American Progress” by John Gast, 1872

“Manifest Destiny” First coined by newspaper editor, John O’Sullivan in 1845. ".... the right of our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federaltive development of self-government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth." A myth of the West as a land of romance and adventure emerged.

“Manifest Destiny” Primary Sources? Manifest Destiny Costs? Benefits? Sen. Thomas Corwin Pres. James K. Polk Costs? Benefits? Primary Sources?

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

Overland Immigration to the West Between 1840 and 1860, more than 250,000 people made the trek westward.

“Onward to Oregon” Oregon jointly occupied by U.S. and G.B. since 1818. Fur trade carried on by both countries. G.B. claim based on 18th century exploration of Capt. Cook. Establish early British fur trade on Columbia R. U.S. claim from exploration of Lewis and Clark in 1804. John Jacob Astor establish early fur trade in 1811 along Columbia River.

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

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

The Oregon Dispute: 54° 40’ or Fight! What effect did the decision of President Polk not to go to war against Britain have on the Democratic Party?

Trails Westward Dangers along the Trail?

The Doomed Donner Party April, 1846 – April, 1847 Of the 83 members of the Donner Party, only 45 survived to get to California!

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 New England merchants carry goods all the way around South America to San Francisco for animal hides produced by “californios” ranchers. Trade a trickle in 1820’s and 1830’s. 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.