Manifest Destiny 1840’s California History
Manifest Destiny Journalist John L. O’ Sullivan coined the phrase- Manifest Destiny. He stated, “The United States was predestined to control the entire continent because God wanted it that way.” “Americans believed that they were destined to spread to Pacific coast” Journalist John L. O’ Sullivan
Why did Americans support Manifest Destiny? Americans wanted to settle on land along the west coast Americans feared the British would take vacant lands in the west. Merchants needed a place to reload ship as they traveled to Asia. Americans felt they were spreading democratic values and freedom to the west. The rise of nationalism in the country.
The Goals of Manifest Destiny
The MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR: 1846-1848 MANIFEST DESTINY-EXPANDING TO THE WEST
Events leading to The Mexican-American War In 1835, The United States offered to purchase California for 5 millions dollars. Mexico refused. In 1845, United States offered to purchase New Mexico and California for 25 million dollars. The US would absorb Mexico’s debt since it owed money to Americans.
Causes Mexico was not happy with Texas annexing to United States Mexico and United States arguing over the Rio Grande River and Nueces River Boundaries United States wanted to expand to the West.
California’s Influence Many Americans were moving to California President Polk wanted California to be part of US. He was a big supporter of Manifest Destiny. James Polk
US Generals: Zachary Taylor "Tell him to go to hell." (His reply to Mexican General Santa Anna's demand for surrender)" Zachary Taylor Upon its preservation [the United States] must depend our own happiness and that of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the power conferred upon me by the Constitution." (1849) Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor
US General: Winfield Scott "I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico, might, and probably would have, lasted some four or five years with in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered a great country and a peace, without the loss of single battle or skirmish." Winfield Scott
Battles in Mexico Americans invaded New Mexico in 1846 Many Americans died because of bad conditions and diseases in Mexico
Battles in Mexico General Zachary Taylor led the troops in Monterrey and captured the city on September 25, 1846. Battle of Monterrey
Battles in Mexico On March 28, 1847 ,General Winfield Scott landed in Veracruz and defeated the Mexicans. It was important for Americans to control the port.
Battles in Mexico In the Fall of Chapultepec, Mexico lost to the Americans Ninos Heroes tried to hold on to the Castle but failed- they died rather than surrender Americans taking over Mexico City
Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo It was signed on February 2, 1848. United States paid 15 million for the following states: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The border boundary was the Rio Grande
Gadsden Purchase In 1853, the United States purchased a small strip of land in Arizona and New Mexico. United States paid 10 million. This would help with the railroad getting to California
Results of the war Over 100 million was spent on the war. 13,780 people were killed. It helped Americans train in military battle and it was preparation for the Civil War Zachary “Old Rough and Ready” Taylor becomes President under the Whigs Zachary Taylor
Sources http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/resources/primary_sources.html# http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/guadalupe-hidalgo/ http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/guadhida.asp http://www.dmwv.org/mexwar/documents/polk.htm