Manifest Destiny: “The 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.” Oxford Dictionary

Annexation of Texas Mexico makes the mistake of enticing U.S. settlers to act as a buffer against Native Americans Mexico counts on cultural assimilation of Americans—another mistake. New Mexican dictator Santa Anna tightens the screws and angers Texans War breaks out—highlighted by the loss at the Alamo and the victory at San Jacinto

Republic of Texas is Born Short lived but legendary (10 years) Presidential candidate Polk promises annexation of Texas and delivers by provoking war with Mexico Key maneuver in the service of Manifest Destiny

Meanwhile, California Declares Their Independence Polk secretly gets California settlers to revolt— Bear Flag Revolt Fighting breaks out in the disputed areas U.S. makes bold moves deep into Mexico Mexico City under siege by U.S. troops Mexicans surrender September, 1847

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo U.S. too mighty, Hidalgo surrenders vast areas known as the Mexican Cession Mexico loses California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming. And Texas became a state! War and loss of territory devastating to Mexico. Now it was America that was “sea to shining sea”

Adding Insult to Injury America decides it wants more land in a deal called “The Gadsden Purchase” U.S. diplomat James Gadsden offers 10 million dollars for a huge tract of land so we could build a southern RR on flat land Mexico desperate for money and afraid of having it taken from them, accepts.

A Matter of Debate Land hungry aggressor or rightful exercise of Manifest Destiny? Opposed by many in congress (Abe Lincoln) abolitionists and prominent Americans like Henry David Thoreau. But most Americans were eager to get more land.

California Here I Come!! Sutter discovers gold in January 1848 This changed everything, hundreds of thousands arrive and suddenly California is a state 21 months later. Called “49ers”

Oregon Territory—Last Piece of the Manifest Destiny Puzzle? Started off in 1818 as “Jointly Occupied” by Brits and U.S. “Oregon fever” fueled by the panic of 1837 and the spirit of Manifest Destiny Polk and “Manifestly” eager Americans wanted 54 40 or bust. But Polk wisely settled on the 49 parallel

A Few Thoughts on Manifest Destiny John L. O'Sullivan, proclaimed "our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted… for the free development of our multiplying millions.” And…we are destined to expand democratic institutions in North America Manifest destiny was a popular, easy to understand and self-serving phrase that politicians picked up on and exploited from “sea to shining sea.” American also felt a moral superiority and duty to spread democracy and Christianity