Manifest Destiny America Expands Westward

“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.

Other Reasons for Westward Expansion (CAUSES):  Escape religious persecution  Find new markets for trade  Claim land for farming, ranching, and mining  Locate Pacific harbors  Spread democracy!

“American Progress” by John Gast How are these ideas of “Manifest Destiny” reflected in the following pieces of artwork?

 “Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way” by Emanuel Leutze

The Pony Express  Between April, 1860 and Nov.,  Delivered news and mail between St. Louis, MO and San Francisco, CA.  Took 10 days.  Replaced by the completion of the trans-continental telegraph line.  Between April, 1860 and Nov.,  Delivered news and mail between St. Louis, MO and San Francisco, CA.  Took 10 days.  Replaced by the completion of the trans-continental telegraph line.

Sectional Differences Emerge   Missouri Territory applies for statehood   Why is this a problem?   There are an equal number of slave/free states, Missouri would tip the balance   Henry Clay – Missouri Compromise (1820)   Missouri = slave   Maine = free (split from Massachusetts)   line: north= free, south = slave

Missouri Compromise

Expansion, Conflict, & War in Texas Sam Houston “Remember the Alamo!”

 1. Why did Mexico want Americans to settle in Texas?  To help defend and develop the province economically  2. Why did Americans want to settle in Texas?  Abundant, cheap, fertile land with a small population Expansion & Conflict in Texas

3. What brought American settlers into conflict with the Mexican government?  They did not convert to Roman Catholicism (remained Protestants) & they ignored Mexico’s ban on slavery 4. What happened at the Alamo?  Texas rebelled against Mexican rule  Santa Anna attacks the Alamo to put down the rebellion  12 days of fighting, Mexico wins, then kills every prisoner; “Remember the Alamo!” * Video

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

The Republic of Texas

Remember the Alamo!

Davey Crockett’s Last Stand

The Battle of the Alamo

 5. Why was the U.S. at first reluctant to annex Texas?  Northern Democrats did not want to add another big, powerful slave state

 6. What promises did Polk make to help him win the election (of 1844)?  To make Northern Democrats happy, he promises to get all of Oregon from Great Britain or go to war; *“54-40 or Fight!”* 54 Line Why did Polk need to satisfy the interests of Northerners specifically?

 7. What did Polk do that left many Northern Democrats feeling betrayed?  To avoid war with Great Britain, Polk compromised on Oregon in order to fight Mexico (British kept what became British Columbia)