1. Westward Movement and Manifest Destiny

2. 1. Define "manifest destiny
1. Define "manifest destiny." What forces contributed to the commitment to American expansion?
2. Why did the United States go to war with Mexico?
3. How does President Polk justify an American declaration of war against Mexico? Do you find his explanation convincing?
4. What were American motives for waging the war?
5. Why did opponents oppose the war?
6. What were the political consequences of the Mexican War

4. Boundary vaguely defined in the area after the American Revolution – as the population began growing hostility developed between rival lumberjacks- led to a skirmish –
Results were a clearly defined boundary
Significant – proved issues could be resolved through diplomacy – laid groundwork for use of diplomacy in other matters

5. Manifest Destiny
The United States had the divine mission to extend its power and civilization across North America
Driven by population increase, rapid economic development, technological advances, and reform ideas.
Northerners argued it was the Southern ambition to spread slavery into western lands

7. Texas War of Independence
After Mexico won independence from Spain – wanted settlers to farm the land
By 1830, Americans outnumbered Mexicans 3 to 1
Friction developed
Mexico outlawed slavery
Required all immigrants to convert to Catholicism
American revolted – still many came

8. General Antonio Lopez de’ Santa Anna
Declared himself dictator of Mexico – 1834
Abolished the federal system of government
Enforced Mexico’s laws
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9. www.lonestarantiquemaps.com/ hrpsam1861L.jpg
General Sam Houston
Revolted and declared Texas a independent republic – 1836
Battle of San Jacinto
Caught Mexicans off guard and captured Santa Anna
Forced to sign a treaty recognizing Texas’ independence
First president of the Republic of Texas
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10. Annexation of Texas
Both Jackson and Van Buren put off Texas’ request for statehood – opposition of expansion of slavery
Threat of war with Mexico dampened expansionist zeal
Tyler would try to annex Texas but Senate rejected the treaty in 1844

11. Annexing Texas
After the 1844 election - out going President Tyler will push for a joint resolution for annexation
This procedure required only a simple majority of each house
Polk was left with the problem of dealing with Mexico’s reaction

12. Election of 1844 Whig nominee Henry Clay
James K. Polk was the “dark horse” candidate of the democrats
From Tennessee
Protégé of Jackson
For Annexation of Texas, acquisition of California, and the “reoccupation” of Oregon
Whig nominee Henry Clay
Straddled the issue of annexation
First for it then later against it
Alienated a group of voters in New York – proved decisive
Clay will loose electoral votes in New York – Whigs of New York joined the Liberty Party

13. James K. Polk
Appealed to westerners and southerners who were in an expansionist mood
“Fifty-four Forty or Fight”
Referred to the line of latitude that marked the border between the Oregon Territory and Russian Alaska

14. Oregon Treaty of 1846 Compromised with Britain backed down from slogan
Negotiators agreed to divide at the 49th parallel
Had been established 1818 –Louisiana Purchase
Vancouver Island granted to Britain with navigation rights of the Columbia River
Northerners upset – thought removed potential free states

15. Mexican War 1846-1848 Polk will send Slidell to negotiate with Mexico
Sell the California and the New Mexico territories
Settle dispute Texas-Mexico border
Mexican government will refuse to sell and insist that Texas’ southern border was on the Nueces River

16. Immediate Cause for War
Polk will order Zachary Taylor to move his army toward the Rio Grande
Mexican army crossed the Rio Grande and captured an American army patrol, killing 11
Polk sends his already prepared message for war to Congress

17. Military Campaigns
General Zachary Taylor’s force of 6,000 men drove the Mexican force from Texas and won a major victory at Buena Vista
General Winfield Scott invades central Mexico and captures Mexico City Sept 1847

18. Consequences of War War was disaster for Mexico
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
Rio Grande southern border of Texas
U.S. will pay $15 million for California and New Mexico

19. Impact of the Gold Rush
Brought 500,000 settlers to California Territory
First time in history individuals could attain great wealth
Spurred the development of the west