Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion 1840-1861

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion 1840-1861

Manifest Destiny 

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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

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?

“Remember the Alamo” 

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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

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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

“Oregon Fever” 

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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

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Fertile farm land • Oregon Trail- 2,000 miles • Settle south of Columbia River

“54° 40’ or Fight” The Election of 1844 

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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 reelection issue Democratic Convention- 2 main candidates Former President Martin Van Buren and John C. Calhoun Whig candidate is Henry Clay

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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

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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

Oregon Resolution  

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

The Mexican War (1846-1848)

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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”

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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

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