 Explain this statement: “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!”  Take a risk, say something, the only incorrect answer is a non-attempt (no “I don’t know.”).

“our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” --John O’ Sullivan

 What is it? Belief that US had a mandate (direction from God) to expand from Coast to Coast John O’Sullivan  The South generally favored westward expansion more land and spread of slavery

Election of 1844 Clay (Whig) vs. Polk (Democrat) Polk embraces Manifest Destiny and the annexation of Texas, defeats Clay 

 Annexation of Texas (1845)  Slidell Mission: Polk wanted to purchase CA and settle boundary dispute along TX border Sends ambassador Slidell to Mexico City  April 25, 1846 – Mexico attacks US troops on “US” soil Called the “Thornton Affair” Happens on disputed territory  U.S. says Rio Grande River is border while Mexico claims Nueces River border 16 U.S. soldiers and untold # of Mexican soldiers killed

“Old Rough and Ready” Gen. Taylor “Old Fuss and Feathers” General Winfield Scott

 Battle of Palo Alto Gen. Taylor employs “flying artillery”  Battle of Monterrey Urban warfare  Battle of Buena Vista Santa Ana defeated by Taylor’s smaller force  Battle of Vera Cruz Gen. Scott Establishes beach head at Vera Cruz First major amphibious landing for U.S. military  Battle for Jalapa Robert E. Lee found a path to avoid head on battle A classic flanking maneuver  Battle for Mexico City Scott’s forces out flank Santa Ana’s larger force

 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: U.S. gained California, and modern-day NM, AZ, UT and NV -- ½ of Mexican territory U.S. to pay $15 million Rio Grande is the official border

 America increased its size by 1/3  Future generals emerge: R.E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Grant, Sherman, etc.  Gen. Taylor is national hero and becomes president  Debate over slavery continues Wilmot Proviso: Bill to ensure no slavery in land acquired from Mexico (failed several times) Compromise of 1850:

 California was admitted as a free state  The slave trade was abolished (the sale of slaves, not the institution of slavery) in Wash. D.C.  The Territory of Utah and the Territory of New Mexico were organized under the rule of popular sovereignty  A harsher Fugitive Slave Act  Texas gave up much of the western land which it claimed and received compensation of $10,000,000 to pay off its national debt

Santa Ana’s Leg on display in Illinois