Manifest Destiny Western Expansion

Objectives After today’s lesson, students will: Describe the ideas behind “Manifest Destiny”

Focus Questions: What does it mean to be exceptional?

Western Expansion Americans moved west (1830s and 1840s) – Spread into the Midwest – Crossed the Mississippi – Moving toward Oregon

U.S. Land Claims Purchased Land west of the Mississippi from France (Louisiana Purchase) Negotiated border along Red River with Spain (Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819) Shared Oregon with Britain Neither settled any claims on the Pacific Coast

Manifest Destiny

Promoted idea of “American Exceptionalism” – The U.S. was fated to spread over and dominate North America – The U.S. could then spread the fruits of republican government to the continent Contains both positive and negative aspects

Positive Aspects Spread ideas of American democracy Promote the American system of economics Improve the lives of many Old theme in the United States

Negative Aspects Stresses a sense of chauvinism Requires others to submit to American wishes Could enter the U.S. into conflicts

Manifest Destiny Role of James K. Polk – Elected president in 1844 through four promises: Lower the tariff rate Annex Texas Control the Oregon Country (54 o 40’ or Fight) Purchase California – Succeeded in each

Summary Describe two things learned in class today