Expansion Leads to Conflict Ch 3 sec 3

I. Manifest Destiny The migration west to the new territories was something that many people thought was inevitable. The chance at a better life and better opportunities motivated people to leave the Eastern coasts. They travelled along several trails, such as the Oregon trail, the Santa Fe trail, and the Mormon trail. http://hermes.webster.edu/sitekchr/images/Map.jpg

I. Manifest Destiny When gold was discovered in California in 1848, a new wave of migration brought tens of thousands of people to the territory. The population swelled so fast the territory became a state in just 2 years. Many people came, but few ever struck it rich. The people who made money were the ones selling equipment and services to the miners. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Sutters_mill_.JPG

I. Manifest Destiny The huge influx of Americans into the western regions changed many aspects of the country. The Oregon treaty that set the border between the U.S. and Canada was signed because so many people had moved into the region. The Pony Express, transcontinental railroad, and telegraph connected East and West faster than it had ever been. http://apushcanvas.pbworks.com/f/1353862213/Oregon%2054%2040.jpg

II. Texas Independence Americans began to move into Texas in 1820. Before then, it was a Spanish-controlled area, but it was sparsely populated. Moses Austin got permission from the Spanish to establish a colony there, but died before he could begin. His son Stephen would finish the plan. http://americanempire.weebly.com/uploads/4/3/6/4/4364513/3330186.png?270

II. Texas Independence By the time the American colony was set up, Mexico had gained its independence and it now controlled Texas. The Mexican government required the settlers to become Mexican citizens, become Roman Catholic, and stay on the land for 7 years. http://mexicanhistory.org/revo.jpeg

II. Texas Independence The colonists still viewed themselves as Americans, and this made the Mexican government concerned enough to try and reduce America’s influence in the area. The Texans decided to become independent, and asked the Mexican government for permission. Their new president, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, tried to solidify his power, so Texas declared its independence on March 2, 1836. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Antonio_Lopez_de_Santa_Anna_c1853.png

II. Texas Independence The revolt led to armed conflict. The Texans captured San Antonio and Santa Anna led the Mexican army to take it back. The Texans waited in the Alamo, a former mission, and the Mexican army laid siege for 12 days. The army then attacked, and almost all of the defenders in the Alamo were killed. http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/therundown/alamo.jpg

II. Texas Independence The Texans then defeat Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto, using the battle cry of “Remember the Alamo!” The Texans capture him and force Santa Anna to grant their independence. http://www.laits.utexas.edu/txp_media/html/cons/features/0200_02/republic.gif

III. War with Mexico The Mexican government refused to acknowledge the independence of Texas, so when the U.S. annexed it in 1845, Mexico broke off relations. President Polk sent John Slidell to purchase more land, including New Mexico and California. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/8154843892_5da46e85a1_m.jpg

III. War with Mexico Mexico refused to meet with Slidell, so he told Polk he should punish Mexico. Then, a minor border dispute would turn into the Mexican-American war. John Fremont led the Bear Flag revolt in California, forcing the Mexican governor to sign California over to the rebels. http://www.nndb.com/people/885/000049738/fremnt01.jpg

III. War with Mexico The U.S. only lost 1 major battle in the war, the battle of San Pasqual. Eventually they will conquer Mexico city, ending the war. The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war, giving the U.S. New Mexico and California territories, as well as giving up claims to Texas. The U.S. paid Mexico 15 million dollars for the territory, and later made the Gadsden Purchase that established the southern borders of Arizona and New Mexico. http://shelledy.mesa.k12.co.us/staff/computerlab/images/W_CO_History7_Mexican_American_War2a.jpg

In your notebooks Half-page summary of the lecture today.