Manifest Destiny A national “mission” The belief that the United States has a divine right to expand its territory to the Pacific Ocean. –John O’Sullivan, stated it was America’s “manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us.”

Louisiana Purchase Up until 1803, the Louisiana Territory was owned by the French Americans wanted this land for the Mississippi River and fur trading Due to economic hardships and wars, the French were willing to sell this land for a “reasonable” price Thomas Jefferson paid $15 million and nearly doubled the size of this country

Oregon Territory Polk(Democrat) v. Clay(Whig) –Polk supports the claims for sole ownership of Oregon “Fifty-four Forty or Fight” –Clay does not take a strong stand Polk wins June 1846—compromise—boundary would be at 49 degrees

Texas Stephen Austin organizes first American settlement in Texas, while it is still controlled by Mexico. Many settlers in Texas want to be independent from Mexico. Santa Anna, president of Mexico, wants to exert more control over Texas.

The Alamo Santa Anna finds a small Texan force barricaded in a nearby mission in San Antonio 12 day defense with little ammunition Texans eventually defeated and most are killed including Davy Crockett(200 killed) “Remember the Alamo!” becomes Battle Cry for Texans.

Independent Texas After a loss at the Alamo, Texans, led by Sam Houston, win Battle of San Jacinto. Texas declares its independence. Sam Houston become first president of Texas 1845 – Texas becomes a state.

War with Mexico Strained relations –Believed annexation was illegal –Disputes over Texas-Mexico border General Zachary Taylor ordered to march across disputed border and built a fort Taylor’s soldiers attacked 1 month later Congress declares war on Mexico

War with Mexico Americans divided over the war –Democrats and newspapers support –Whigs and Northerners oppose (Lincoln and Frederick Douglass) Polk’s Plan: –Drive Mexican forces out of border area –Seize New Mexico and California –Take Mexico City

Results Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Feb 1848) –Mexico gives up all claims to Texas –Establishes Rio Grande as the border –Mexican Cession: Mexico ceded(gives) California and New Mexico to US for 15 million Gadsden Purchase 1853—10 million for strip of land at present day Arizona and New Mexico Would eventually provide a route for the southern transcontinental railroad