Strong nationalistic program Pro-bank Pro- protective tariff Pro-internal improvements William Henry Harrison dies 4 wks into office John Tyler – a Democrat in Whig clothing ◦ Expelled from party ◦ Daniel Webster – Secretary of State – only one not to resign
2 Anglo-American Wars Travel Books Money (Borrowing) Attack of the American Steamer, Caroline In Bahamas, British give asylum to some American slaves Maine boundary dispute with Canada, Aroostook War
– concluded treaties with France, Holland, & Belgium ◦ To serve as protectorates Britain very interested in independent Texas ◦ Cotton ◦ Puppet to challenge Monroe Doctrine ◦ Free slaves
Texas leading issue in 1844 Presidential race ◦ James K. Polk (D) defeats Henry Clay (W) Tyler arranges for annexation by joint resolution Mexico angry Dispute Nueces River v. Rio Grande river Manifest Destiny – 1840s – 1850s ◦ Almighty God had “manifestly” destined the American people to spread their great views “Great Compromiser” – Clay compromises his way out of White House Liberty party spoils Clay’s chances
Britain and US ◦ Dispute over Oregon Hudson’s Bay Company – most important colonizing agency for British American missionaries Saving Indians in Willamette River Valley
Polk’s four-point program 1. Lower tariffs Walker Tariff 1846 – produced revenue 2.Restoration of independent treasury 3.Acquisition of California 4.Settlement of Oregon dispute 2.49 line
Polk sends Slidell to purchase ◦ Slidell rejected Polk sends Zachary Taylor “Old Rough & Ready” Declare war based on 1.Unpaid claims 2.Slidell’s rejection Mexico attacks ◦ Congress votes to go to war Lincoln questions Polk
Santa Anna plays games with Polk ◦ Polk sends Winfield Scott ◦ Capt. John C. Fremont to California ◦ Trist (State department) signs Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo $18,250,000 Provides field experience for Civil War ◦ Navy ◦ Generals ◦ Military Academies
Slavery should never exist in any territory from Mexico Not law but endorsed by all but 1 free state