Manifest Destiny

Based on this image, what

attitudes do you believe
Americans held in the
mid-1800s?

Manifest Destiny
- The belief that the U.S. had a God-given right to extend its
boundaries westward to the Pacific Ocean and spread
democracy to the less fortunate.

Why do early settlers flood west?

Go West, Young Man!
-

Horace Greeley, New York Tribune - 1845

The California Gold Rush begins in 1848 with the discovery of

gold at Sutters Mill on the California River.

Settlers flock to Oregon Country in search of fertile land for

farming.

Ranchers move into areas that buffalo previously inhabited and

began raising cattle.

Defining the Northern Boundaries

- Aroostook War
- Resolved longtime dispute with Britain over northern boundaries of US
- Resolved by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty
- US retains disputed territory in Maine and Minnesota, including
valuable economic resources.

The Texas Issue

- Stephen F. Austin received a grant from Mexico
to bring 300 American settlers to Texas in
1823...with conditions:
-

They had to become Roman Catholic

They had to obey Mexican laws
- This presented a problem because Mexico did not
allow slavery.

Cont.
- The Americans failed to become Catholic
& broke Mexican laws by importing
slaves.
- By 1830, Americans outnumbered
Mexicans in Texas 10 to 1.
-

In response, Mexico cuts off any further

immigration.

- By 1833 General Santa Anna was

established as the dictator of Mexico and
planned a crackdown on the Texans.

Texans Seek Independence

-

In 1833 Austin tries to negotiate and is thrown in jail for writing

a letter urging Texas to form its own government.

By 1835 Santa Anna has removed all local rights and is raising
an army to suppress the Texans.

Battle of Gonzales - 1835

- The Mexican army comes to retrieve a cannon given to
Texas settlers to protect themselves from Indians
- The Texans refuse and adopt Come an Take It! as their
motto - They are actually the attackers.

Texas declares independence in 1836 and elects Sam Houston

The Alamo
- To buy time for Sam Houston to raise an army,
188 Americans make a stand at a Spanish
Mission - The Alamo.
- In February 1836, Santa Anna attacks with 2000
soldiers. Reinforcements never arrive for the
defenders.
- In the 13 day siege Santa Anna loses 1500 men. The Mexican Army kills
all 187 mens. Women and and children are allowed to flee.

Texas Cont.
-

Sam Houston follows up with a victory at San Jacinto.

- Texan cavalry attacks during the Mexicans siesta, catching
them literally napping.
- The battle is over in 20 minutes, but the slaughter lasts for
hours.
- Santa Anna disguises himself as a private, but is turned in
by his own men. At swordpoint, he signed a document
recognizing the independence of Texas.
- Texas becomes the Lone Star Republic and seeks
admission to the US.
- The US puts it off for 9 years!
- Guaranteed war with Mexico and would have destroyed sectional

John Tylers Presidency

- Tyler succeeds William Henry Harrison after he dies
only a month into his presidency.
-

He is NOT a puppet for Henry Clay and Daniel Webster as

Harrison was expected to be.
He vetoes Clays bank bill; his cabinet resigns in protest.
Tyler pushes a high tariff and calls for annexation of Texas,
which the Senate rejects.
- Finally in 1844, Congress annexes via joint resolution.

Oregon Fever
- The Oregon territory is jointly occupied by Britain and the US.
- Extended from Pacific to the Rockies and from Alaska to California

- Two primary reasons for OR Fever

- Beaver Trade
-

Opened passageways west, but also weakened and corrupted Indians

- Fertile soil

Cont.
- Oregon Trail
- Primary route to the Oregon territory
-

Over 2000 miles long, stretching from Missouri.

- By 1846 Oregon was divided between Great

Britain and the US at the 49th parallel.

The Election of 1844

- James K. Polk - Democrat
-

Jacksonian to the core, referred to Young Hickory.

Opposed the Bank of the United States
Opposed High Tariffs
Favored Westward Expansion, including annexing Texas.
-

54 40 or Fight! - Oregon Fever

- Henry Clay - Whig Candidate

Cont.
- The Whigs campaign on the notion that James K. Polk is an
unknown.
- James Birney runs for the Liberty Party which splits the Whig
Vote, allowing Polk to win NY and thus the election.

The Four Pillars of Polk

1. Lower the tariff -
2. Resolve the Oregon boundry dispute -
3. Restore the independent treasury -
4. Acquire California and Texas -
Our Greatest One Term President?