Manifest Destiny 1840’s

Manifest Destiny Journalist John L. O’ Sullivan coined the phrase- Manifest Destiny. “Americans believed that they were destined to spread to Pacific coast” Believed they were spreading democratic values and freedom to the west Journalist John L. O’ Sullivan

The Goals of Manifest Destiny

TEXAS REVOLUTION 1836

Americans Living in Mexican Territories Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1820. Mexican American conflict over slavery Many Americans moved to Mexico as illegal immigrants because they chose not to honor Mexico’s rules of citizenship. Americans had to take an oath of allegiance to Mexico. Americans had to convert to Catholicism.

Stephen Austin vs. Antonio Santa Ana Stephen F. Austin led the rebellion against Mexico since the Texans were not happy with Mexico’s government. General Antonio Santa Ana led the rebellion against the Americans. Stephen F. Austin Antonio Santa Ana

The Fall of the Alamo Sam Houston fought against General Martin de Cos. The Mexicans surrendered at Gonzalez. General Santa Ana marched to Alamo and they fought for 11 days. The Americans were massacred at the mission. At the battle of San Jacinto, the Mexicans were caught off guard and were ambushed. Mexico surrendered to Sam Houston and Texas was independent as the Lone Star Republic due to the Treaty of Velasco.

The Mexican-American War: 1846-1848 MANIFEST DESTINY-EXPANDING TO THE WEST

Events leading to The Mexican-American War In 1835, The United States offered to purchase California for 5 millions dollars. Mexico refused. In 1845, United States offered to purchase New Mexico and California for 25 million dollars. The US would absorb Mexico’s debt since it owed money to Americans. Mexico was angry over borders of the Rio Grande and Nueces Rivers and over the loss of Texas

Wilmot Proviso President Polk was working on a treaty for the Mexican territories Pennsylvania Congressman David Wilmot added an amendment Aug 1846 to outlaw slavery in the Mexican territories Southern dominated Congress refused to accept the Proviso James Polk David Wilmot

US Generals: Zachary Taylor "Tell him to go to hell." (His reply to Mexican General Santa Anna's demand for surrender)" Zachary Taylor Upon its preservation [the United States] must depend our own happiness and that of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the power conferred upon me by the Constitution." (1849) Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor

US General: Winfield Scott "I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico, might, and probably would have, lasted some four or five years with in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered a great country and a peace, without the loss of single battle or skirmish." Winfield Scott

Battles in Mexico Battle of Palo Alto was the first major engagement on May 8, 1846. Superior US cannons and artillery caused an American victory under General Taylor. The Mexicans retreat across the Rio Grande.

Battles in Mexico General Zachary Taylor led the troops in Monterrey and captured the city on September 25, 1846. The generals agreed on an 8 week armistice, angering President Polk. Battle of Monterrey

Battles in Mexico Battle of Buena Vista on Feb 23 1847 put Taylor’s veterans under General Winfield Scott to attack Mexico City leaving Taylor on defense with inexperienced troops. Santa Ana attacked Taylor but despite declaring victory, they retreated the next day.

Battles in Mexico On March 28, 1847, General Winfield Scott landed in Veracruz and defeated the Mexicans after a two week siege. It was useful as a port and supply base for the Americans.

Battles in Mexico April 1847 General Scott occupied pass of Cerro Gordo. Captain Robert E. Lee flanked the Mexicans while General Pillow held the front. The Mexicans fled.

Battles in Mexico Storming of Chapultepec Castle Sept 13 1847, (General Pillow’s attack) Despite Mexican General Bravo’s attempt to hold the castle they failed and Pillow succeeded

Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo It was signed on February 2, 1848. United States paid 15 million for the following states: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The border boundary was the Rio Grande

Gadsden Purchase In 1853, the United States purchased a small strip of land in Arizona and New Mexico. United States paid 10 million. This would help with the railroad getting to California

Results of the war Over 100 million was spent on the war. 13,780 people were killed. Compromise of 1850 to continue the dispute over admission of slave/free states Preparation for the Civil War Zachary “Old Rough and Ready” Taylor becomes President under the Whigs Zachary Taylor