Chapter 17 – Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy, 1841 – 1848 Chart Review and Discussion

Theme #1 American expansionism gained momentum in the 1840s, leading first to the acquisition of Texas and Oregon, and then to the Mexican War, which added vast southwestern territories to the United States and ignited the slavery question.

Acquisition of Oregon Boundary dispute with BR Divided territory w/o war - Treaty of 1846 Result & response to slavery To far north, seen as free, above Mason- Dixon Line Overshadowed by TX annexation Can continue to compromise? OR for North and TX for South?

Acquisition of Texas James K. Polk elected President Manifest Destiny Lone Star Republic Annexed in 1845 Result & response to slavery Texas already had slaves from southern settlers Proximity and ability to grow cotton, important to growth of South Expansion vs. containment of slavery ?

Acquisition of Mexican Cession Won in the Mexican War 1/3 the size of US Result & response to slavery David Wilmot’s Proviso Free-Soilers Lewis Cass – popular sovereignty Leads to more compromises, which ultimately do not work

Theme #2 American international prestige grows as the United States expands. Successful military campaigns against Mexico along with well negotiated treaties with Britain force Europe to respect America more while Latin America begins to be wary of the "Colossus of the North."

The Maine Boundary Issue War of words with BR Disputed territory Solved with Webster- Ashburton Treaty – no war Solution & International Response BR sees US as a negotiator, able to work with them in the future No need for a 3 rd war

The Lone Star State Issue Mexico claimed they were not independent Disputed boundary Polk / expansionist Annexation leads to Mexican War Solution & International Response US is seem as expansionary and aggressive by Central and South America BR and FR want an independent TX Europe sees America as a military force in the New World

The Oregon Territory Issue Manifest Destiny of the 1840’s OR or CA Trails Occupied by both BR Canada and US Solution & International Response Settled with Treaty of to split in half US is willing to compromise with Europe, but not with American countries – Why?

Mexican Cession Territory Wanted to buy CA for $25 Million Result of Mexican War – bought Mexican Cession land for $15 Million completed Manifest Destiny Solution & International Response South American Countries saw US as greedy and an untrustworthy bully Southwest ethnic and racial conflict – Californios and Mexicans in the new territory Europe recognized military strength of US