1. Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy

2. “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”
Whig Party campaign for William Henry Harrison and John Tyler
Whigs Daniel Webster and Henry Clay hoped to ‘control’ Harrison and therefore dominate politics
Harrison gives 4 hour inaugural address in the cold – develops pneumonia
Dies 31 days into office
John Tyler becomes president
Not a Whig (more of a Democrat in hiding)
Vetoed Clay’s bills
National Bank
Protective Tariff

3. Texas Defeated Mexico in 1836
Mexico refuses to recognize Texan independence
Mexico threatens war if USA protects Texas
For 8 years, Texas acts as independent country
Creates treaties with European countries (France, Holland, Belgium)
Britain wanted to use Texas to drive a wedge through the United States
Statehood becomes a major campaign issue in 1844
John Tyler invites Texas to become a state in 1845

4. "Fifty-four Forty or Fight!"
Spain, Russia, Britain, and the US all claimed Oregon in 1818
By the 1840s, only the US and Britain continue to claim Oregon
Oregon becomes campaign issue in 1844 as well
5,000+ Americans lived in Oregon at this time, outnumbering British

5. Election of 1844 Henry Clay - Whig (again!) V.
James K. Polk – Democrat
Polk wins election
Promised to support and protect Texas
Avoided the issue of slavery
Very ‘PRO’ Manifest Destiny
Has 4 major goals
A lower tariff
Restore the independent treasury
Acquire California
Settle Oregon dispute without violence

6. Manifest Destiny
The belief that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

8. Problems with Mexico (other than drinking water)
Relations with Mexico were poor after the annexation of Texas
Polk offered to buy California for $25 Million – rejected
January, 1846 Polk sends troops to Mexican border
Polk asks Congress for war (weak reasons)
Mexican soldiers attack US troops first
John C. Fremont ‘liberates’ California – Bear Flag Republic
Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, Stephen Kearny led successful American attacks during the war

10. Results and Consequences
War ends with Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – 2/2/1848
17,000 casualties (~2,000 battle deaths, 11,000+ dead from disease)
War provides experience for future military leaders
Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee
Territorial disputes between the states erupt over slavery
Wilmot Proviso/Amendment (Similar to Tallmadge Act/Amendment)