John Gast, American Progress (Manifest Destiny) (1872)

Manifest Destiny EQ: How Justifiable was US expansion in the 1800s? Manifest Destiny means  “obvious fate” “manifest destiny to overspread and possess the whole continent”. – The U.S. said they had the divine right to settle this area Although Britain had lands and Mexico’s claims, he believed it was the duty of the US to extend the blessings of democracy to new lands and people’s. – By 1848 the U.S.’s great experiment had become reality  the US tripled in size in a little more than a single lifetime!!! Manifest destiny took many forms: treaties, settlement, and war

The Louisiana Purchase 1 st opportunity for expansion during the early 19 th century involved territory west of the Mississippi River known as Louisiana By 1802 the U.S wanted the port city New Orleans Farmers were settling lands west of the Appalachian Mtns. To get their crops on the market they floated them down Mississippi river to New Orleans then loaded boats with their crops  Farmers depended on being able to move their crops freely

Louisiana The region stretched from Canada south to Texas From the Mississippi it stretched to the Rocky Mtns. 1 st claimed by France, given to Spain after the French and Indian War 1800 Napoleon convinced Spain to give it back to France Wanted to settle the land with French Farmers--raise food for slaves in the Caribbean These plans alarmed settlers who feared the port would be closed off to American goods!

A Noble Bargain 1803-sent James Monroe to France with an offer to buy New Orleans for $7.5 million BUT, by the time Monroe reached France, Napoleons plan changed  a slave revolt in the Caribbean. Slaves defeated French (Haiti) Napoleon no longer needed Louisiana, but wanted $ for his wars in Europe!

A Noble Bargain (cont’d) Napoleon offered to sell ALL of Louisiana! April 1803-Monroe signed a treaty giving Louisiana to the US for $15 million Greatest deal in history?! – Doubled the size of the US for 2-3 cents an acre – Not everyone approved!! – Senate voted to ratify the Louisiana Purchase!

Lewis and Clark Expedition

#1 January 18, 1803 Jefferson asked Congress to approve $2500 for the expedition.

#2  May 14, men left St. Louis Missouri

#3  August 20, 1804 Sergeant Floyd dies

#4  September 1804 Met with Teton division of the Sioux Jefferson warned explorers to make friendly impression – It was tense because Sioux saw the boat full of weapons/goods heading upstream to arm the armies and competitors.

#5  Winter Spent winter with Mandan Tribe Hired Sacagawea’s husband #20  Search for Shoshones  Why is it important?

#6  August 17, 1805 Sacagawea meets her brother at Shoshone Tribe

#7  November 1805 – March 1806 Ocean in view December 3, 1805 expedition reaches the Pacific

#8September 23, 1806 Expedition arrives home in St. Louis