Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion 1840-1861

1. Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion 1840-1861

2. Manifest Destiny • Term was coined by New York journalist John L. O’Sullivan in 1845 • According to O’Sullivan, the U.S. had a divinely appointed mission to occupy all of North America • Justified his beliefs on the idea of freedom • Goal of westward expansion was to expand freedom

3. Manifest Destiny in Action • Texas • Originally part of Mexico after Mexico gains independence from Spain in 1821 • Texas colonized by Americans under the Austin family • Slavery was also illegal under the Mexican government • Local authorities, however, allow slaves. Why?

4. “Remember the Alamo” • In 1836, a revolt starts between Mexican troops under General Santa Anna and American settlers • March 13, 1836-Santa Anna storms the Alamo, a mission compound in San Antonio killing 187 Americans and Tejanos (non Indians of Spanish origin) • In April, American forces under Sam Houston win the Battle of San Jacinto • Mexico forced to recognize Texan independence

5. Texas wants to join the US • Presidents Jackson and Van Buren concerned about the issue of slavery • Many slave owning settlers continue to migrate to Texas • Cotton

6. “Oregon Fever” • Both Britain and the United States claim the Oregon Territory • Britain-Fur Trade • United States • Discovery of Columbia River in 1792 • Expeditions of Lewis and Clark • Trading post and fort established by John Jacob Astor in 1811 • Fertile farm land • Oregon Trail- 2,000 miles • Settle south of Columbia River

8. “54° 40’ or Fight” The Election of 1844 • President John Tyler vs. eventually James K. Polk • Tyler becomes President in 1840 after William Henry Harrison dies shortly after his inauguration • Annexation of Texas becomes Tyler’s key re-election issue • Democratic Convention- 2 main candidates • Former President Martin Van Buren and John C. Calhoun • Whig candidate is Henry Clay

9. Van Buren against annexation of Texas • Calhoun for annexation of Texas • Caused convention to deadlock • Delegates finally nominate Polk • slave owner • cotton plantation owner in Tennessee • “Jacksonian Democrat” • Platform called for annexation of Texas and “reoccupation” of Oregon to its northern border • Clay changes his mind and supports annexation of Texas • Whigs lose New York in Electoral College vote • Polk elected President

10. Outgoing President Tyler viewed Polk’s election as a mandate to add Texas to the Union • Persuaded Congress to pass a joint resolution on annexation rather than a Senate treaty • In March 1845, just before the inauguration, U.S. annexes Texas

11. Oregon Resolution President Polk compromises with Britain Moves away from “Fifty-four Forty or Fight” campaign slogan Oregon territory divided at 49th parallel

13. The Mexican War (1846-1848) • Was the Mexican War an example of Manifest Destiny? • Was the Mexican War our country’s first imperialistic war? • US wants to acquire California • Mexican government refuses • President Polk is ready to use the military • Fighting started between troops from both sides on a disputed border between Mexico and Texas • Polk claimed Mexico attacked Americans on American soil • Constant changes in Mexican government • Many criticize President Polk for provoking a war • Supporters-spread of liberty • Opponents-America zealous for land and expansion of slavery • Lincoln- “Spot” Speech, Making “war at pleasure”

14. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) ends the war • Main points: Confirmed annexation of Texas, ceded California and present day New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah to the U.S. • In return, US paid Mexico $15 million dollars • Rise of transcendentalism • Ralph Waldo Emerson • Henry David Thoreau

15. Was the Mexican War an example of Manifest Destiny? Was the Mexican War our country’s first imperialistic war?