The American Pageant: Chapter 17 Manifest Destiny The American Pageant: Chapter 17

MANIFEST DESTINY The belief that it was God’s will that the U.S. expand from sea to shining sea Market revolution, advancements in transportation and increasing nationalism drove Americans to seek opportunities and spread the virtue of America across the continent

The shortest presidency Harrison (Whig elected) Figurehead president: Clay ran most of show Died 4 weeks after being elected John Tyler (his V.P.) replaced him Switched from Jacksonian Democrat to Whig (a democrat in Whig’s clothing) “Tyler Precedent”

Harrison and Tyler

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty-1842 Britain and US still have poor relations Brits want to build a road from Halifax to Quebec through disputed ME land claim Aroostook War Settled by Webster-Ashburton Treaty Divided the territory and settled boundary line PLUS settled Northern boundary of Minnesota

Texas Mexico believed that Texas was a territory in revolt Texas negotiated with Britain and France for protection Britain wanted an independent Texas to control American southward expansion. France was thinking the same thing. Texas was also an area without Tariffs.

Texas Statehood The North against the south for Before Polk took office, he called for a joint resolution to annex Texas because he could not get a 2/3rds Senate vote. A joint resolution meant that each house must have a majority vote (a simple majority) to pass an annexation. Texas was invited into the Union in 1845. Mexico was NOT happy

Oregon Oregon was a territory under much dispute with Spain, Russia, Britain, the US, Spain backed out after the Adams-Onis Treaty (Florida Purchase) and the Russians backed above the 54*40’ line after treaties with Britain and the US. Treaty of 1818 – Joint territory: US/Britain Major issue of 1844 Campaign. Polk’s slogan: “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

Oregon Territory

Oregon- The Results Polk negotiates with Britain US settles on the 49th parallel Cedes Vancouver Island to Britain Gives them navigation rights on Columbia River

Manifest Destiny James A Polk wins 1844 election vs. Clay Polk is Expansionist Democrat Democrats were passionate about Manifest Destiny (expansion from east to the west and the north to the south) Democrats view their victory as a “mandate” to take Texas

California? Polk wanted to purchase CA but Mexico was mad at U.S., diplomatic relations over Rumor that California was being eyed by the British. If the British acquired it, then the Monroe Doctrine would be violated Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico City to propose up to $25 million to buy CA. The Mexicans felt insulted by this act.

War with Mexico Polk sent Gen. Zachary Taylor to Mexico April 25, 1846 - Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and attacked Taylor’s command, 16 casualties Polk asked Congress to declare war and they did Everyone did not want war (Whigs) Lincoln and Spot Resolutions

Mexican – American War

Taylor and Winfield Scott California fell easily, aided by explorer John Freemont Gen Zachary Taylor in charge of main thrust. At Buena Vista, Taylor and 5,000 troops defeat 20,000 strong Mexican Army. General Winfield Scott was sent to Mexico City Defeats Mexicans in brilliant campaign-1847

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Trist signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb 2, 1848 Terms gave Texas and California to America Plus most of Southwest (NM, AZ, UT, NV) America would pay $15 million for the land and assumed the claims of its citizens in amount of $3,250,000

Profit and Loss in Mexico Small war, large land gains for U.S. Training ground for Civil War leaders Foreign countries gained respect for U.S. and its army The Mexican war was a factor that led to the Civil War (sectionalism and slavery) Revived the issue of slavery

Wilmot Proviso-Splits North and South 1846 by PA Representative David Wilmot Proposed amendment forbid slavery in any new lands acquired by war with Mexico Passed in House, failed in Senate Signaled start of a deep crisis pitting North vs. South over slavery, states’ rights, and representation