: Expansion leads to war

“ Manifest Destiny ”  First coined by newspaper editor, John O’Sullivan in  ".... the right of our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federaltive development of self- government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth." A myth of the West as a land of romance and adventure emerged.  A myth of the West as a land of romance and adventure emerged.

“American Progress” – John Gast

Trails Westward

The Oregon Trail – Albert Bierstadt

The Doomed Donner Party April, 1846 – April, 1847

The Doomed Donner Party James Reed & Wife Margaret Patrick John Breen Breen Breen  Of the 83 members of the Donner Party, only 45 survived to get to California! CANNIBALISM ! ! CANNIBALISM ! !

Overland Immigration to the West Between 1840 and 1860, more than 250,000 people made the trek westward.

The Oregon Dispute: 54 ’ 40º or Fight!  By the mid- 1840s, “Oregon Fever” was spurred on by the promise of free land  By the mid- 1840s, “Oregon Fever” was spurred on by the promise of free land.  The joint British- U. S. occupation ended in 1846.

James K. Polk Democrat “Dark Horse” candidate of 1846 Seen as Jackson, Jr. Campaigns on American expansion –Oregon –Texas/Mexico

TN governor Polk up against: Democrats: –John Buchanan, senior senator, Pennsylvania –Lewis Cass, Senator Michigan –Martin Van Buren, former President –John C. Calhoun, former VP, South Carolina Then has to beat the Whigs’ best man

Mexican history, briefly Exploration  mission settlements Wins independence from Spain 1820s-1830s - with poor economy, Mexico opens trade with US Invite US settlement, empresarios organize Texas

“GO TO TEXAS!” JQA & Jackson offer to buy Texas 1830: over 50K in Texas, Mexico seals the border Austin arrested Texas Revolution begins

Key Figures in Texas Independence, 1836 Sam Houston ( ) Steven Austin ( )

The Republic of Texas

Texas Declaration of Independence

The Alamo

Davy Crockett ’ s Last Stand

The Battle of the Alamo General Antonio L  pez de Santa Anna Recaptures the Alamo

The Lone Star Republic Sam Houston defeats Santa Anna Texas wins independence These are Americans. They like having their own country, but desire ANNEXATION

Annexation pushed through by Democrats – John Tyler and James K. Polk Slavery extended – Northern populous furious Mexicans furious – national honor stained. War looms in December 1846

Polk’s aims Texas The Mexican southwest –California –New Mexico –The rest of the SW Oregon Territory shared with Great Britain

Polk’s plan Send John Slidell to offer Mexico $$$ Mexicans refuse to meet Slidell Polk forces the issue

Border Dispute

American blood is shed Polk sends Zachary Taylor to Rio Grande 70-man patrol attacked, 16 US soldiers die May 11, 1846 Polk says: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil.” –Congress declares war by a large margin

Conflicting Attitudes Northern populous upset Polk wants LAND “War for slavery” Mexico is the “forbidden fruit!” “Mexico will poison us!” South overwhelmingly supports Americans killed Opportunity to gain land – southern land

The Bear Flag Republic John C. Frémont California Revolts: June 14, 1845

War Stephen Kearny marches from Kansas to Santa Fe (800 miles) – “the long marcher” Zachary Taylor marches unimpeded around Mexico winning battles – gains POLITICAL FAME Winfield Scott given command with orders to win the war War ends September 1847

Taylor - Old Rough and Ready

Scott- Old Fuss and Feathers

Mexican War as a training ground

Political Storm Brews Democrats – pro-expansion Whigs – internal development (no expansion) –“No Territory” slogan THE WILMOT PROVISO – 1846 David Wilmot (PA) – “slavery will not exist an any territory gained from Mexico”

Treaty of Guadalupe- Hidalgo, 1848  Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio Grande River.  Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico.  U. S. gave Mexico $15,000,000 and agreed to pay the claims of American citizens against Mexico (over $3,500,000).  Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio Grande River.  Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico.  U. S. gave Mexico $15,000,000 and agreed to pay the claims of American citizens against Mexico (over $3,500,000).

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo & the Gadsden Purchase

Results of the Mexican War  The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (11,000 of disease).  New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. * Brought in 1 million sq. mi. of land (incl. TX)  These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South.  Created two popular Whig generals who ran for President.  Manifest Destiny partially realized.  The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (11,000 of disease).  New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. * Brought in 1 million sq. mi. of land (incl. TX)  These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South.  Created two popular Whig generals who ran for President.  Manifest Destiny partially realized.

California Gold Rush, er’s