Chapter 17 Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy, 1841–1848

I. The Accession of “Tyler Too” Wm. H. Harrison, a Whig, was elected in 1841 – Died after only four months in office Whig party platform – Pro-national bank – Pro-protective tariff – Pro-internal improvements John Tyler (Former VP) becomes president – Accused him of being a Democrat in Whig clothing Had been a Democrat – Was at odds with the majority of his adoptive Whigs

II. John Tyler: A President Without a Party Whigs political platform – Strongly nationalist program – National Bank Passed by Whig Congress, vetoed by Tyler (twice) – Whig tariff bill Passed by Whig Congress, vetoed by Tyler Rewritten, passed by Congress, Tyler signed Tariff of 1842 – Whig condemned Tyler as “His Accidency” He was formally expelled from his party All but one of his cabinet resigned

II. John Tyler: A President Without a Party (cont.) – Tyler veto the bill on both practical and constitutional grounds – The Whig leaders tried again, passing another bill providing for a “Fiscal Corporation” – Tyler again vetoed the offensive substitute – The Democrats were jubilant Whig extremists condemned Tyler as “His Accidency” and “Executive Ass” – He was formally expelled from his party – His entire cabinet resigned in a body, except Secretary of State Webster, who was then in the midst of delicate negotiations with England. Proposed Whig tariff bill: – Tyler vetoed the bill – Because he saw the Whig scheme for a distribution among the states of revenue from the sale of public lands in the West – He could see no point of squandering federal money. Chastened Clayites redrafted their tariff bill: – They chopped out the offensive dollar-distribution scheme – Pushed down the rates to about the moderately protective level of 1832—roughly 32% on dutiable goods – Tyler reluctantly signed the Tariff of 1842

III. A War of Words with Britain Anti-British passions in the U.S.A. – Two Anglo-American wars in memory – Negative views about each country America a borrowing nation – Borrowed from Britain for canals and railroads ( ) Upper Canada Rebellion (Ontario) – U.S. citizens gave military supplies & volunteered American steamer, Caroline, attacked 1841 – GB gives asylum to runaway slaves on Creole

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The Destruction of Caroline

IV. Manipulating the Maine Maps Aroostook War -Maine boundary dispute( ) – Britain wanted to build an overland road On disputed land As a defensive precaution the British wanted to build a road westward from the seaport Halifax to Quebec The road would go though disputed territory claimed by Maine The Aroostook War threatened to widen the dispute into a full-dress shooting war. – Negotiations stopped conflict Compromise on the Maine boundary Britain got area for road Americans got more land (Maine & Minnesota)

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V. The Lone Star of Texas Shines Alone Mexico didn’t recognize Texas’s independence Texas forced to maintain a costly military – Looked other nations for protection Britain wanted an independent Texas – Could serve as a check against Americans expansion – Seen as a great cotton-producing area – British abolitionists could stop the spread of slavery

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VI. The Belated Texas Nuptials Texas declared independence in 1936 Texas a key issue in 1844 presidential campaign – Whigs against. Democrats for. Democrats won. – Tyler (Whig?) annexed Texas before he left office Lone Star State (1845) became 28 th state – Mexico angry – Britain disappointed

VII. Oregon Fever Populates Oregon U.S. & British claims to Oregon were strong – Both nations had citizens living in the territory The Anglo-American Convention of 1818 – “joint occupation” between Colombia River & 49’ Oregon Trail ( ) – Hundreds of thousands of American’s moved in – Hundreds of British moved to the “Oregon territory”

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VIII. A Mandate (?) for Manifest Destiny The Election of 1844 – Henry Clay chosen by the Whigs – Democrats -James K. Polk (the first “dark horse”) The campaign was about Manifest Destiny – The idea that God gave U.S. the continent to rule – Expansionist Democrats vs cautious Whigs 1844 Election results – Polk 170, Clay 105 in the Electoral College – Polk 1,338,464 to 1,300,097 in the popular vote Antislavery Liberty Party (3 rd party) won NY for Polk – Democrats claimed a mandate to take Texas

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IX. Polk the Purposeful Polk’s four-point program 1.Lower the tariff - 32% to 25% (Walker Tariff) 2.The restoration of the independent treasury 3.The acquisition of California 4.Settle the Oregon dispute – “Fifty=four forty or fight” – Britain proposed the line of 49 (1846) – Senate agreed. Treaty with G.B. signed

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X. Misunderstandings with Mexico Faraway California was another goal for Polk – Very diverse population – Was eager to buy from Mexico Offered $25 million ($700 M in 2014 dollars) – Quickly rejected by Mexico

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XI. American Blood on American (?) Soil Polk prepared to take Alta California – Sends troops to Texas (Jan., 1846) Entered disputed (Nueces Strip) area ready to fight Mexican troops crossed Rio Grande into Nueces Strip – Thornton Skirmish (American defeat) – Polk sent a vigorous war message to Congress Congress voted for war (Lincoln’s Spot resolution) Polk’s goal was California, not war

XII. The Mastering of Mexico Mexican-American War ( ) – American operations successful California taken easily – Bear Flag Republic (1846) General Zachery Taylor – Victory at Buena Vista General Scott – Vera Cruz landing/ victory – Captured Mexico City (1847)

XIII. Fighting Mexico for Peace The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Feb 1848) – U.S. gained Texas to Oregon to California Mexico lost 1/3 of territory – U.S. paid ~ $18 million for the land and debt Polk submitted the treaty to the Senate: – Some upset at “damnable war” – Some wanted all of Mexico Many didn’t want to pay ‘guilt’ money

XIV. Profit and Loss in Mexico 13,000 American died (most taken by disease) Gained huge amounts of territory, pacific ports Provided priceless military experience Opposing armies gained respect for each other Hurt relations between U. S. and Latin America Aroused the slavery issue – The Wilmot Proviso outlawed slavery in new land It never became federal law:

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