Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War

I. The Roots of Manifest Destiny A. By the 1840’s many Americans were sure the U.S. would expand all the way to the Pacific. They believed that nothing could stop this growth from taking place. 1. This expansionists view became known as Manifest Destiny, and this term was first used by John O’Sullivan, a New York Editor.

2. “The American claim is by the right of our Manifest Destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence (God’s Blessing) has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty. We are the nation of human progress, and who will, what can, set limits to our onward march” - John O’Sullivan

B. The roots of manifest destiny lay in America’s economic, political, and social experiences. Many Puritan colonists believed North America was a promised land that God had given them to set up a new society. a. Become a religious example to the rest of the world.

2. The American Revolution added to the idea that America was special 2. The American Revolution added to the idea that America was special. Patriots believed that the United States would prove to the rest of the world that democracy could work in a large and growing country.

3. After the United States became independent, there were strong economic reasons to expand. As the eastern population grew, people sought more room. b. Farmers wanted more land to grow crops, and industry needed more natural resources. c. Businesses wanted more markets for American goods.

II. War Breaks Out A. Texas became the 28th state in December 1845. This action angered the Mexican government, which considered Texas a “stolen province.”

Mexico cut off all diplomatic ties with the U.S. Mexico ordered Americans to leave California and banned further immigration there. Mexico continued to argue that the Nueces River, not the Rio Grande made up Texas’ southern border

B. In June 1845, President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to take the U.S. troops into the disputed area between the Nueces and Rio Grande. 1. Polk also offered Mexico $30 million for California and New Mexico, but Mexico refused.

C. After General Taylor refused to move away from the Rio Grande, Mexican soldiers attacked a group of 63 U.S. soldiers. 11 were killed, 5 were wounded, and the rest captured. Polk declared: “Mexico has shed American blood upon American soil.” 3. 2 days later, Congress declared war on Mexico.

III. Responses to the War A. To raise and army, the U.S. called 50,000 volunteers, but over 200,000 people volunteered. This was the first U.S. war fought mainly on foreign soil. First time many newspapers covered a U.S. conflict. First war to be photographed.

B. Many people were opposed to the war B. Many people were opposed to the war. Many in the Whig Party thought that the conflict was unjustified and unnecessary. 1. Northern abolitionists opposed the war b/c they feared the spread of slavery.

2. Some believed that disagreements over the Mexican War would further divide Americans. “The United States will conquer Mexico, but it will be as the man swallows the arsenic (a poison), which brings him down in turn. Mexico will poison us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

IV. American Victories General Zachary Taylor won battles at the Nueces River, Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma. Taylor’s victories drove the Mexican troops back into Mexico. 1. Taylor then crossed the Rio Grande River.

B. Brigadier General Stephen Kearny attacked New Mexico, and took Santa Fe without a fight. 1. Kearny then marched towards southern California.

C. American rebels near Sonoma, California rebelled and declared California an independent republic. John Fremont played a major role. Nicknamed the Bear Flag Republic. 3. U.S. forces took over San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco 4. 1847 - President Polk named General Kearny governor.

D. Zachary Taylor (“Old Rough and Ready”) was having massive success, and Polk feared he may run for President in 1848. Replaced Taylor with Winfield Scott “Old Fuss and Feathers” Scott captured Mexico City on 9/14/1847.

V. More New Territories 3. Increased the size of the U.S. by 25% Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Turned over much of Mexico’s northern territory to the U.S. The Mexican Cession included the states of California, Nevada, and Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming 3. Increased the size of the U.S. by 25% 4. U.S. paid $15 million.

B. Gadsden Purchase U.S. pays $10 million for the southern parts of New Mexico and Arizona. The continental boundaries of the U.S. were finally fixed.