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Manifest Destiny. American Westward Expansion. Our manifest destiny [is] to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. John L. O'Sullivan, 1845. The American Mission. Jefferson dreamed of the U.S. as an “Empire for Liberty”
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Manifest Destiny American Westward Expansion
Our manifest destiny [is] to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. John L. O'Sullivan, 1845
The American Mission • Jefferson dreamed of the U.S. as an “Empire for Liberty” • Louisiana Purchase doubles country in 1803 • 1840s – Large numbers begin migrating westward • Manifest Destiny – the belief that the U.S.’s destiny was to expand to the Pacific Ocean and into Mexican territory
Why go to the Frontier? • Personal economic problems • Attempting a fresh start in the West • LAND for farming or speculation • Mining • New markets for merchants • Trade with China and Japan
Black Hawk War • 1830s – Settlers in western Illinois pressure Indians west of Mississippi • Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk tribe launches rebellion against U.S. • 1832 – Illinois militia members slaughter 200+ Sauk and Fox people, tribes forcibly moved west
Treaty of Ft. Laramie • As attacks on settlers continued, U.S. gov. called meeting of Cheyenne, Arapaho, Sioux, and Crow • Granted land in Central Plains to certain tribes in exchange for maintaining “good faith and friendship in all their mutual intercourse” • U.S. still allowed to build roads and forts • U.S. repeatedly violated terms of the treaty
Westward Trails • Santa Fe Trail: 780 miles from Independence, MO to Santa Fe, NM • Traders visit NM to trade for gold, silver, and furs • First American presence in Mexican provinces • Oregon Trail: Independence, MO to Portland, OR • Settlers traveled to Oregon for fertile soil • Many died of disease during the journey • 1844 – 5,000 American settlers populate the Willamette Valley
Mormon Migration • Joseph Smith and 20,000 followers settle in Nauvoo, Illinois • Neighbors criticize polygamy, Smith destroys printing press and is sent to prison • Smith murdered while in prison • Brigham Young (Smith’s successor) moves his followers to Salt Lake City
Northern Boundaries Established • U.S. and Britain still jointly occupied Oregon • Presidential candidate James K. Polk “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!” • Fur trade had slowed so Britain lost interest • Establish the 49th parallel as the boundary with Canada