2. Manifest Destiny: “The 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.” Oxford Dictionary

3. Annexation of Texas
Mexico makes the mistake of enticing U.S. settlers to act as a buffer against Native Americans
Mexico counts on cultural assimilation of Americans—another mistake.
New Mexican dictator Santa Anna tightens the screws and angers Texans
War breaks out—highlighted by the loss at the Alamo and the victory at San Jacinto

4. Republic of Texas is Born
Short lived but legendary (10 years)
Presidential candidate Polk promises annexation of Texas and delivers by provoking war with Mexico
Key maneuver in the service of Manifest Destiny

5. Meanwhile, California Declares Their Independence
Polk secretly gets California settlers to revolt— Bear Flag Revolt
Fighting breaks out in the disputed areas
U.S. makes bold moves deep into Mexico
Mexico City under siege by U.S. troops
Mexicans surrender September, 1847

6. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
U.S. too mighty, Hidalgo surrenders vast areas known as the Mexican Cession
Mexico loses California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming. And Texas became a state!
War and loss of territory devastating to Mexico.
Now it was America that was “sea to shining sea”

7. Adding Insult to Injury
America decides it wants more land in a deal called “The Gadsden Purchase”
U.S. diplomat James Gadsden offers 10 million dollars for a huge tract of land so we could build a southern RR on flat land
Mexico desperate for money and afraid of having it taken from them, accepts.

10. A Matter of Debate
Land hungry aggressor or rightful exercise of Manifest Destiny?
Opposed by many in congress (Abe Lincoln) abolitionists and prominent Americans like Henry David Thoreau.
But most Americans were eager to get more land.

11. California Here I Come!! Sutter discovers gold in January 1848
This changed everything, hundreds of thousands arrive and suddenly California is a state 21 months later. Called “49ers”

12. Oregon Territory—Last Piece of the Manifest Destiny Puzzle?
Started off in 1818 as “Jointly Occupied” by Brits and U.S.
“Oregon fever” fueled by the panic of 1837 and the spirit of Manifest Destiny
Polk and “Manifestly” eager Americans wanted or bust. But Polk wisely settled on the 49 parallel

14. A Few Thoughts on Manifest Destiny
John L. O'Sullivan, proclaimed "our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted… for the free development of our multiplying millions.”
And…we are destined to expand democratic institutions in North America
Manifest destiny was a popular, easy to understand and self-serving phrase that politicians picked up on and exploited from “sea to shining sea.”
American also felt a moral superiority and duty to spread democracy and Christianity