Manifest Destiny

American Progress” by John Gast, 1872

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.

Maine Boundary Settlement, 1842

Presidency of Tyler Took office after Harrison dies Took office after Harrison dies More of a Southern Democrat than a Whig More of a Southern Democrat than a Whig Key issues:Key issues: tariff tariff Bank Bill Bank Bill Try to impeach Tyler Try to impeach Tyler His entire cabinet resigns His entire cabinet resigns At end of term—Tyler arranges for Texas to be annexed by joint resolution!At end of term—Tyler arranges for Texas to be annexed by joint resolution!

1844 Election Polk-(Dem)“Darkhorse” Polk-(Dem)“Darkhorse” Vs. Clay(Whigs) Vs. Clay(Whigs) ISSUES: ISSUES: TexasTexas Manifest DestinyManifest Destiny “54* 40’ or fight”; “Oregon Fever”“54* 40’ or fight”; “Oregon Fever” Polk wins!Polk wins!

The Republic of Texas

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

Trails West

Oregon Dispute: “54-40 or fight” By the mid-1840s, “Oregon Fever” was spurred on by the promise of free land Britain agreed to 49* line

The Bear Flag Revolt June, 1845 John C. Fremont Mexico’s control of California is Weak—California is ready to be Part of the US!

War with Mexico Mexican recognition of the Rio Grande River as the TX-US border. US would forgive American citizens’ claims against the Mexican govt. US would purchase the New Mexico area for $5,000,000. US would take California at any price. The Slidell Mission Nov. 1845

Wilmot Proviso Provided, territory from that, as an express and fundamental condition to the acquisition of any the Republic of Mexico by the United States, by virtue of any treaty which may be negotiated between them, and to the use by the Executive of the moneys herein appropriated, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any part of said territory, except for crime, whereof the party shall first be duly convicted. Wilmot Proviso never passed Through both houses of Congress

War with Mexico “On what spot was American blood shed on American Soil?” ~Abe Lincoln questioning Polk’s view of the war as an attack by the Mexican troops

Key People & Battles General Winfield Scott-Vera Cruz to Mexico City General Winfield Scott-Vera Cruz to Mexico City General Zachary Taylor-Monterrey General Zachary Taylor-Monterrey Gen. Kearney-Santa Fe trail to San Francisco Gen. Kearney-Santa Fe trail to San Francisco

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

Results of the War with Mexico The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (mostly of disease). The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (mostly of disease). New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South. These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South. Poor relations with Mexico Poor relations with Mexico The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (mostly of disease). The 17-month war cost $100,000,000 and 13,000+ American lives (mostly of disease). New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. New territories were brought into the Union which forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the center of national politics. These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South. These new territories would upset the balance of power between North and South. Poor relations with Mexico Poor relations with Mexico * Brought in 1 million sq. mi. of land (incl. TX) * Brought in 1 million sq. mi. of land (incl. TX) Created two popular Whig generals who ran for President. Created two popular Whig generals who ran for President. Manifest Destiny partially realized. Manifest Destiny partially realized. Gave experience to many military men for the Civil War—Lee & Grant Gave experience to many military men for the Civil War—Lee & Grant Marine Corps-1 st time used Marine Corps-1 st time used Improved military Improved military