Politics 1840’s Two major parties: Democrats Whigs Election of 1840 William Henry Harrison (Whig) wins – dies a month later, VP – John Tyler takes over Tyler – chosen to attract certain voters, disliked by his own party and more of a Democrat than a Whig

Politics 1840’s Two major parties: Democrats Whigs Election of 1840 William Henry Harrison (Whig) wins – dies a month later, VP – John Tyler takes over Tyler – chosen to attract certain voters, disliked by his own party and more of a Democrat than a Whig He vetoes bank and tariff laws and his own party kicks him out – Polk (Dem) v. Henry Clay (Whig) – Polk wins by a narrow margin

Manifest Destiny = the idea that the US was “destined” and deserved to expand it’s land to the Pacific ocean. This means the eventual acquisition of Texas, California, Oregon and everything else between those areas and the Mississippi River.

Texas Texas – wins independence from Mexico in 1836 Not part of the US then – Texas is an independent republic Texas getting friendly with European countries – esp. with England By 1844, Tyler realizes that letting Texas remain independent and possibly allied with GB is risky 1845 – Texas is invited to join the US – they accept – Congress approves.

Oregon NW area (Oregon, Washington and part of Canada) claimed by 4 countries but by 1830s – just US and GB. More US settlers than British – continuing negotiations to divide area permanently Final outcome – GB agrees that everything below 49 th parallel is US territory – above to GB.

California The US wants California – but Mexico has it Mexico spurns all our offers to buy California – they are still upset over Texas. The only way to get Calif. Is to wait for enough Americans to settle and revolt OR pick a fight with Mexico and win it in a war.

War with Mexico The lower boundary of Texas is disputed by Mexico and the US – Nueces River or Rio Grande? After an attack and some American deaths, US declares war on Mexico Several battles and victories (Generals Taylor and Scott) and Mexico is ready to give up. The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo is signed – Nicholas Trist negotiates it The US gets Texas to Rio Grande, California, and everything else that Mexico owned up to Oregon

+ and – Mexican War + lots more land (18 million paid for Calif. – a bargain) + valuable field experience for military (esp. officers) + army, navy and marines all performed well- get some international respect. - Mexico mad – stays mad - relations with other LA countries deteriorate - Slavery issue is reignited – will all the new territory become slave or free states in the future???