1. Manifest Destiny and the U.S.-Mexican War

2. Manifest Destiny
Term originated by newspaper editor John O’Sullivan in 1845
Merging of political and economic goals
Many people supported expansion through any means necessary

3. Election of 1844 James K. Polk - Democrat Supported manifest destiny
“Dark horse” candidate
Congressman from Tennessee
Supported manifest destiny
Occupy Oregon to the 54° 40’ parallel
Annex Texas as a slave state

4. One of Polk’s campaign slogans – “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

5. Oregon Territory
Territory split at the 49th parallel to avoid war with Great Britain
Used the existing border and drew it to the Pacific Ocean

6. Texas Annexation Northerners opposed annexation of Texas
Annexation by a joint-resolution passed in the U.S. Congress in Dec. 1845
Border dispute ensues
U.S. – Rio Grande River
Mexico – Nueces River

7. Relations with Mexico
Polk sent diplomat John Slidell to Mexico to negotiate
Offered $25 million for California, the New Mexico territory, & Rio Grande as the Texas border
President of Mexico refused and broke off diplomatic relations

8. Outbreak of War
General Zachary Taylor order to march beyond the Nueces River
Camped at the Rio Grande
In April 1846, Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande River & attacked

9. Polk’s Appeal to Congress
Polk and his cabinet saw the attack as an act of war
“…invaded our country and shed American blood on American soil.”
Congress declared war on May 11, 1846
Northerners called it American aggression against a weaker neighbor to extend slavery
Illinois congressman Lincoln claimed the spot was clearly in Mexico

10. Polk’s War Strategy Gen. Taylor invaded northern Mexico
General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City from the Gulf of Mexico

11. War in the West
Gen. Stephen Kearny marched west and captured Santa Fe, and supported revolt in California
John C. Fremont leads the Bear Flag Revolt by Americans in California

12. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
End of the war
Signed at Basilica of Guadalupe at Villa Hidalgo
Rio Grande is the southern border of the U.S.
Mexico recognized Texas as part of the U.S.
Paid $15 million for California and New Mexico territory

13. Anti-slavery Democrats formed this party
Because of Polk’s failing health and because he had accomplished all he wanted in one term, he did not seek reelection

14. Completion of Manifest Destiny
Southerners desired a flat land for a southern transcontinental railroad
Wanted to link southern land to the Pacific
Gadsden Purchase
In 1853, purchased from Mexico for $10 million dollars