Growth of a Nation (…2 Nations?)

As a result of the American Revolution, Britain ceded it's territory east of the Mississippi

What a Deal!

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubles the size of the young nation

–In 1819, Spain cedes Florida to the U.S. in return for the nullification of a Five Million Dollar debt

Soon Thereafter, Mexico Wins Independence from Spain

Texas Southern farming spreads into Mexico Mexico does not allow slavery Texans Rebel against Mexico Remember the Alamo? Texans gain their independence but seek admission to the U.S. as a state

Texan Independence

War with Mexico After nearly 10 years, the US decides the time is right to annex Texas. Mexico protests – war is declared

New Land! War ends with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildalgo The U.S. obtains land in what is now California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas (1.2 million square miles!) The Gadsen Purchase completes our southwest territory which is referred to as the Mexican Cession.

Results of the Mexican War

Gadsen Purchase

Manifest Destiny Many Americans dreamed of a empire stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific It was our nation’s “Manifest Destiny” to overspread and possess the whole continent