Jump Start Read the “Manifest Destiny” handout Judge what it says about how Americans thought about themselves.

Our ‘God Given Right’ to settle this land Manifest Destiny Our ‘God Given Right’ to settle this land

Manifest Destiny Timeline Oregon Trail Missouri “The Liberator” & Texas Texas Becomes Ft. Laramie Compromise Founded Independence 20th State Treaty 1820 1831 1836 1845 1851

EXPANDING the US - 181O-185O This map shows the dramatic expansion of the territorial boundaries of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. Much of this acquisition occurred in the 1840s. What events contributed to the annexation of new land to the States in those years?

Let’s discuss how this painting “American Progress” by John Gast, illustrates what John L. O’Sullivan wrote about, in the editorial on Manifest Destiny?

An Allegorical Painting by John Gast 1872 Manifest Destiny An Allegorical Painting by John Gast 1872  

America’s Evolving Ideology Expressed as “Manifest Destiny” Drives the Population West

Land Attracts Settlers Why? Land was still a great measure of wealth Farmers still wanted their own Speculators gambled on price increases Railroad companies needed it to expand Pacific trade was becoming a reality, so we had to find western harbors to trade with China.

Natives Welcome and Resist Native Americans helped many settlers - few tribes attacked. Acted as guides and white men learned the routes As early as the 1820s and 1830s two major Trails West evolved: Oregon Trail – Northwest to Portland (Wilmette Valley) Santa Fe Trail – Southwest thru Santa Fe, NM Fort Laramie Treaty – agreement w/Natives about land use - Whites could travel thru, build forts but natives had control of plains - Broke treaty often – started Indian Wars after 1851.

Oregon Trail Map, 1843

Wagon Trains to Santa Fe Heavily traveled between 1821 and 1848 in Spring Traders traveled in large groups of 100 to defend vs. Natives ‘Circled the wagons’ at night for defense & to corral horses

Oregon Trail Re-enactment, 1995

Natives Americans Forced Out Sauk – Black Hawk (chief) War – Ill & WI Cheyenne, Pawnee, Arapahoe, Ute, Nez Perce – all right in the paths of the major routes – wars lasted for 50 years. Sioux (Sitting Bull) and Apache (Geronimo) among last tribes to resist Many worked their way south toward Texas (Mexico)

Mexico Attracts Americans Independent since 1821 – cannot defend all its land. Mexico sought trade opportunities with the US and offered land grants to ‘Empresarios’ – Stephen Austin. Believed it would help shield them from Natives and increase trade because more Americans lived there. Soon more Americans than Mexicans lived in Texas.

Tensions with Mexico English vs. Spanish language & culture Slavery – Mexico abolished it in 1829 – insisted that Americans free their slaves too. Mexico prohibits more immigration in 1830 Taxes (tariffs) imposed on American goods in Mexico Austin arrested asking for more self – gov’t. - 1833. No Deal - Texans begin to rebel – Texas Revolution - 1835

Santa Ana Attacks Texas Santa Ana moves to Texas to try to stop the rebellions as Texas declares independence Colonel Travis, Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie & 187 defenders killed at the Alamo after holding out for 12 days vs. Santa Ana & his 4000 man Mexican Army.

The Alamo Then & Now

Santa Ana Stopped Sam Houston & Rebel Army captures Santa Ana & force him to recognize Republic of Texas. But he later reneges and tries to get it back for Mexico. Texas invites the US to “annex” it.

President Polk’s Mission Sectionalism (slavery vs. abolition) prevented Texas’ admission to the US as a state or territory President James K. Polk, a slaveholder won in 1844, favored western expansion and wanted Texas ASAP ...as well as the rest of the current US! December, 1845 Texas became the 28th state Mexico goes nuts!