1. The American Pageant: Chapter 17
Manifest Destiny
The American Pageant: Chapter 17

2. MANIFEST DESTINY
The belief that it was God’s will that the U.S. expand from sea to shining sea
Market revolution, advancements in transportation and increasing nationalism drove Americans to seek opportunities and spread the virtue of America across the continent

3. The shortest presidency
Harrison (Whig elected)
Figurehead president: Clay ran most of show
Died 4 weeks after being elected
John Tyler (his V.P.) replaced him
Switched from Jacksonian Democrat to Whig (a democrat in Whig’s clothing)
“Tyler Precedent”

4. Harrison and Tyler

5. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty-1842
Britain and US still have poor relations
Brits want to build a road from Halifax to Quebec through disputed ME land claim
Aroostook War
Settled by Webster-Ashburton Treaty
Divided the territory and settled boundary line PLUS settled Northern boundary of Minnesota

6. Texas Mexico believed that Texas was a territory in revolt
Texas negotiated with Britain and France for protection
Britain wanted an independent Texas to control American southward expansion. France was thinking the same thing.
Texas was also an area without Tariffs.

7. Texas Statehood The North against the south for
Before Polk took office, he called for a joint resolution to annex Texas because he could not get a 2/3rds Senate vote.
A joint resolution meant that each house must have a majority vote (a simple majority) to pass an annexation.
Texas was invited into the Union in 1845.
Mexico was NOT happy

8. Oregon
Oregon was a territory under much dispute with Spain, Russia, Britain, the US,
Spain backed out after the Adams-Onis Treaty (Florida Purchase) and the Russians backed above the 54*40’ line after treaties with Britain and the US.
Treaty of 1818 – Joint territory: US/Britain
Major issue of 1844 Campaign. Polk’s slogan: “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

9. Oregon Territory

10. Oregon- The Results Polk negotiates with Britain
US settles on the 49th parallel
Cedes Vancouver Island to Britain
Gives them navigation rights on Columbia River

11. Manifest Destiny James A Polk wins 1844 election vs. Clay
Polk is Expansionist Democrat
Democrats were passionate about Manifest Destiny
(expansion from east to the west and the north to the south)
Democrats view their victory as a “mandate” to take Texas

13. California?
Polk wanted to purchase CA but Mexico was mad at U.S., diplomatic relations over
Rumor that California was being eyed by the British.
If the British acquired it, then the Monroe Doctrine would be violated
Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico City to propose up to $25 million to buy CA.
The Mexicans felt insulted by this act.

14. War with Mexico Polk sent Gen. Zachary Taylor to Mexico
April 25, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and attacked Taylor’s command, 16 casualties
Polk asked Congress to declare war and they did
Everyone did not want war (Whigs)
Lincoln and Spot Resolutions

15. Mexican – American War

16. Taylor and Winfield Scott
California fell easily, aided by explorer John Freemont
Gen Zachary Taylor in charge of main thrust.
At Buena Vista, Taylor and 5,000 troops defeat 20,000 strong Mexican Army.
General Winfield Scott was sent to Mexico City
Defeats Mexicans in brilliant campaign-1847

17. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Trist signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb 2, 1848
Terms gave Texas and California to America
Plus most of Southwest (NM, AZ, UT, NV)
America would pay $15 million for the land and assumed the claims of its citizens in amount of $3,250,000

19. Profit and Loss in Mexico
Small war, large land gains for U.S.
Training ground for Civil War leaders
Foreign countries gained respect for U.S. and its army
The Mexican war was a factor that led to the Civil War (sectionalism and slavery)
Revived the issue of slavery

20. Wilmot Proviso-Splits North and South
1846 by PA Representative David Wilmot
Proposed amendment forbid slavery in any new lands acquired by war with Mexico
Passed in House, failed in Senate
Signaled start of a deep crisis pitting North vs. South over slavery, states’ rights, and representation