Introduction During the 1840’s territorial expansion dominated diplomacy and politics Texas, Oregon and California Key Issue= slavery: The expansion expands the fracture between pro- slave and anti-slavery

The Accession of “Tyler Too” Election of 1840 Won by William Henry Harrison (Whig) “Tippecanoe & Tyler too” Dies of pneumonia 4 weeks into his term John Tyler takes over as President (former Democrat) “His accidency” He is a Virginian, very old school and stubborn in principal.

A President without a Party Whigs control Congress Whig Program = very nationalistic Pro-Bank Pro-Tariff Pro-Internal Improvements WHY DO THESE STANCES MAKE SENSE FOR WHIGS? It’s a cycle of success Bank loans money for industry Tariff protects industry Internal improvements get goods from East to West

The Lone Star of Texas Shines Alone Texas has gained its independence in 1836 Wants to be annexed to the United States, “Lone Star State” PROBLEM America’s foreign policy to be neutral Mexico DOES NOT recognize Texas’ independence Texas is huge issue in 1844 election James K. Polk (Expansion ticket, Democrat) v. Henry Clay (Whig)

Polk the Purposeful: our Manifest Destiny president Polk had 4 goals while president (4 point program) Lower Tariff (Walker Tariff) Lowered tariff from 32% to 25% Restore Independent Treasury (1846) Acquisition of California Achieved with Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Settle the dispute in Oregon “Fifty Four, Forty or Fight”

Profits and Loss in Mexico POSITIVES NEGATIVES America’s land increased by 1/3 Spirit of Manifest Destiny Justified West Point Schoolroom for Civil War Turning point in ugly relations between US and Latin America Re-aroused slavery issue (new territories)

Misunderstanding with Mexico Polk is very eager to buy California from Mexico PROBLEM: We have terrible relations with Mexico Mexico owes $3 million in damages claimed by Americans. Texas (Mexico thought we stole it) Still a border dispute Mexico thinks it is the Nueces River US believes it is the Rio Grande

American Blood on American Soil Polk sends Zachary Taylor to the Rio Grande with 4,000 troops. Is this really the border? Asks Congress to declare war (on 2 facts) Unpaid claims ($3 million) Slidell’s rejection The Cabinet/Congress want Mexico to fire first

American Blood on American Soil April 25, 1846 Mexican troops crossed Rio Grande and attack US troops. Is this really the US’s soil? Patriotic Congress says YES and declares war Spot resolution: “Show me the exact spot on American soil where blood was shed” Abraham Lincoln (Whig, Illinois) Whigs fear the spread of slavery Did Polk instigate War with Mexico?

The Mastery of Mexico Zachary Taylor “Old Rough and Ready” in charge of Northern campaign. Buena Vista: Feb 22-23, 1847 5,000 US troops withstood 20,000 Mexican troops and Taylor is dubbed the “Hero of Buena Vista”

Slavery and the Territory Issue Abolitionists thought fighting in Mexico spread the “slavocracy” Fight goes to Congress Wilmot Proviso: Bill which stated that slavery would not exist in the Mexican Cession territory. (David Wilmot, PA) Passed the House twice but failed in Senate. Many northern states adopted this on a state by state basis. Polk’s Legacy: left the nation with vast territory but ugly slavery dispute.

The Mastery of Mexico The War Americans were 100% successful in the Southwest and California. Captain John C. Fremont collaborated w/ navy and local Americans to capture California in rebellion from Mexico Happened before word of American-Mexican War arrived. California Bear Flag Republic

The Mastery of Mexico General Winfield Scott In command of main American effort on Mexico City Focus for Americans is right; they try to take Mexico’s heart Most successful General from Revolution to Civil War While Taylor was good with small forces he struggled to command large campaigns.

Fighting Mexico for Peace Polk simply wants to meet his territorial goals = anxious for peace. Sends Nickolas P. Trist to negotiate peace with Santa Anna and Mexico. Trist and Scott negotiate armistice for $10,000 Santa Anna pockets the money and uses the time to bolster his troops and reorganize. Polk calls for Trist to come home!

Fighting Mexico for Peace Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848 TERMS: Confirmed Americas title to Texas Territory stretching west to Oregon (including CA) was US soil. US pays $15 million plus it assumes American claims ($3 million) Remember Polk was willing to pay $25 million before the war. Needed to happen fast b/c there is a responsible government in place to carry out the treaty in Mexico

A President without a Party Henry Clay tries to push through… Got rid of Independent Treasury (Pro-bank) New Bank of US (vetoed twice by Tyler=anti- bank) Tariff (distributed money among states from sale of Western lands) vetoed. Tariff of 1842: No dollar distribution for western lands lowered to 32% tariff of dutiable imports. Signed by Tyler b/c there was need for revenue

A Mandate for Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny reveals itself in Election of 1844 Henry Clay (Whigs) vs. James K. Polk (Dem.) Polk won his nomination and election on the expansionist ticket. The Election of 1844 Issues Tariff Bank Annexation of Texas Oregon territory California

Oregon Fever Populates Oregon British Ties to Oregon US ties to Oregon Prior Discovery Exploration Treaty Rights Occupation Hudson Bay Company Fur Traders Exploration Lewis and Clark Robert Gray names Columbia River Occupation Missionaries to Indians

Oregon Fever Populates Oregon Anglo-American Convention 1818 “Joint Occupation” is the compromise Oregon Fever of 1840’s Willamette River Valley’s fertile soil attracted Americans British are more eager to reach compromise before they are completely overtaken.

Oregon Fever Populates Oregon Settling Oregon Dispute Northern Democrats wanted Oregon (Southern Democrats had wanted annexation of Texas) “Fifty-four Forty or Fight” Polk offers the 49th parallel as a compromise to the British. At first they want the Columbia River this changes in 1846. After rejecting Polk’s offer at first the British then offer the 49th parallel themselves. Senate agrees quickly. Why all of Texas but only some of Oregon? Britain is more powerful then Mexico