Westward Expansion and

Texas and the Southwest

Manifest Destiny Term originated by newspaper editor John O’Sullivan in 1845 Merging of political and economic goals Merging of political and economic goals Many people supported expansion through any means necessary Many people supported expansion through any means necessary

Manifest Destiny

Election of 1844 James K. Polk - Democrat James K. Polk - Democrat  “Dark horse” candidate  Congressman from Tennessee Supported manifest destiny Supported manifest destiny  Occupy Oregon to the 54° 40’ parallel  Annex Texas as a slave state

One of Polk’s campaign slogans – “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

Oregon Territory Territory split at the 49 th parallel to avoid war with Great Britain Used the existing border and drew it to the Pacific Ocean

Polk and the Acquisition of the Oregon Territory

Texas Annexation Northerners opposed annexation of Texas Annexation by a joint- resolution passed in the U.S. Congress in Dec Border dispute ensues  U.S. – Rio Grande River  Mexico – Nueces River

Mexico’s Reaction to the Annexation of Texas