Chapter 17.1 As Americans start to move west, an idea started to take hold By 1840’s – Americans had moved into every part of the North America – Texas – California Territory – Oregon Territory – Problem: Should we be sharing this land with other people? – Native Americans? – Mexicans? – What do you think?

America’s Manifest Destiny People always look for a reason for why we do things: – Usual answers: 1.Had no other choice 2.God thinks its best! Why should Americans claim all of North America for the United States? – John O’Sullivan Newspaper editor – Wrote that it was “manifest destiny” to take over North America. – Manifest Destiny God chose us to have North America to set up a new society. – What kind of new society? » One that is based on democracy!

Manifest Destiny

Other Reasons why USA should expand across the continent Social Reason – People don’t like people! When it gets crowded, we need to be able to move away from others! Economic Reason – Businesses need more land and resources Farming needs land Industry needs resources – Coal – Wood – Gold?

American Expansion

Who’s going to lead us? April, 1841 – President William H. Harrison gives his inauguration speech Problem: It’s pouring down rain! 2 weeks later: – Pres. Harrison dies of pneumonia! VP John Tyler takes over!

Why is this important? William H. Harrison – Did not believe in slavery! Wanted America to expand with no slavery! John Tyler – Slave owner from Virginia Wanted to make Texas a slave state! Why is this bad? – Free States = 14 – Slave States = 15

Election of 1844 John Tyler – Whig Party Candidate Was not well liked in the North! – Why? » Believed that expansion = slavery! Henry Clay – Whig Party Candidate Was much more popular! – Why? » Has shown he can work with everyone! Great Compromiser! James K. Polk – Democrat politician from Tennessee Believed that acquiring Oregon and Texas was essential!

Election of 1844 John Tyler drops out and gets married! Main issue of election = Manifest Destiny – Henry Clay Said he was against annexation of Texas… – James Polk Warned if America doesn’t take Texas, someone else will! – England! – Mexico! Winner = James Polk! – 11 th POTUS

Pres. Polk gets to work immediately Pres. Polk worked hard to bring Oregon and Texas to the USA – Oregon would be easy Why? – Nobody wanted it but us! » And the Native Americans… 1848 – America makes Oregon a territory » Now all they need is 60,000 settlers!

Texas would not be so easy March 1845 – Pres. Polk asks Congress to approve the annexation of Texas They agree – Why? » It’s common sense! December 1845 – Texas agrees to join the USA Why? – It’s common sense! » And we have a military! Texas = 28 th state Why is that important? – Mexico wants to reclaim their “stolen territory”

War Breaks Out… Mexico claims that USA is claiming more land then just Texas! Mexico believes Texas southern border – Nueces River Pres. Polk believes Texas southern border – Rio Grande River Why? – Its farther south! – More land! – So, what do you do?

Pres. Polk sends US Army to protect its new land! Sends General Zachary Taylor to Rio Grande – March 1846 Makes camp by Rio Grande – April 1846 Mexican army attacks Taylor’s camp! – Kills 11 troops! – Pres. Polk: “Mexico has shed American blood upon the American soil!” What dos this mean? WAR!

Review Questions What is manifest destiny? How does John Tyler become president? Who wins the election of 1844? What two areas does the POTUS want to join the United States?