Manifest Destiny The Tale(s) of American Expansionism

What is MANIFEST DESTINY?

Louisiana Purchase 1803  Purchased from France (Napoleon)  15 Million Dollars  Purpose: Acquisition of port of New Orleans, removal of European power from the west

Florida  Purchased from Spain (with help from Andrew Jackson’s raids)  5 million dollars  Purpose: removal of Spain from North American continent

Election of 1844  James K. Polk- First Dark Horse  “Young Hickory” supported annexation, “reoccupation of Oregon”, acquisition of California  Slogan: or Fight!

Oregon  Acquired via treaty with Britain  Cost: We split our claims with Britain  Purpose: Removal of British from Northwest, prevention of Russian expansion

The Texas Issue  Texas had achieved independence in 1836  America annexed it in 1845  Disputed boundary: Nueces or Rio Grande?

Mexican War: Causes  American attempts to purchase California failed  Diplomatic attempts to resolve Texas boundary failed (hmmm….)  General Zachary Taylor was sent into the disputed area, and “American blood was shed on American soil” by the Mexicans

Mexican War: Main Events  Kearny captures Santa Fe and Southern California  John C. Fremont captured control of Northern California and proclaimed the Bear Flag Republic  Taylor crossed into Mexico and captured Buena Vista  Winfield Scott landed at Vera Cruz, moved in and captured Mexico City

Mexican War: Results  Mexico would recognize the Rio Grande as the border  Mexican Cession  Debate: All of Mexico?? None of Mexico??  Wilmot Proviso

Mexican Cession  Through a treaty with Mexico  Paid 15 million to Mexico  Purpose: Obtaining California

Gadsden Purchase  Obtained through a treaty with Mexico  Cost $10 Million  Purpose: Obtaining a better route for a possible transcontinental railroad

Ostend Manifesto  Plan by pro-slavery American diplomats to seize Cuba if Spain would not sell  They were denounced by both parties

William Walker’s Nicaragua  Became involved in a revolution in Nicaragua and eventually became president  Set up a pro-slavery state there  Eventually overthrown

Impact of Western Expansion  Reignites the slavery issue and sectional rivalry  Frontier provides a “safety valve”  Precedent of strained relations between the U.S. and Latin America  Systematic attack and removal of Indians continued