Expansion of the United States Manifest Destiny and Beyond
Manifest Destiny Dream of a nation stretching from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean “Divine Mission” to spread liberty and democracy across continent John O’Sullivan coined the phrase: “Manifest Destiny” Clearly apparent or obvious destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent
Independence of Texas Texas a province of Mexico Mexico concerned that too many Americans in Texas U.S. offers to buy Texas – Declined!! 1830: Mexico stops Americans coming into Texas 1836: Texas fights for Independence led by Commander Sam Houston
Battle of the Alamo Fortress built on ruins of a Spanish Mission Fewer than 200 men assembled vs. 4,000 Mexicans Battle lasted 13 days; more than 180 Texans died – includes Davy Crockett “Remember the Alamo!!”
Texas Gains Freedom 1836: About 800 Texans, under Sam Houston, surprised General Santa Ana Forced him to sign a treaty recognizing the Republic of Texas
Annexation of Texas: 1845 Annex: Join or attach U.S. hesitated to annex Texas – Why? North feared adding slavery Some feared war with Mexico Feb. 1845: Annexed into U.S. Dec. 1845: Becomes a state
Oregon Country: 1846 An enormous wilderness Treaty of 1818: Joint occupation by Britain and U.S. By 1845: Over 5,000 Americans living there New government plan drawn up as Americans outnumber British Treaty of 1846: Divide Oregon Country at 49 th Parallel Very similar to today’s northern border British Territory U.S. Territory
War with Mexico: Mexico broke off relations with U.S. when Texas annexed Differed over southern Texas border Pres. Polk wanted more than just Texas He wanted land all the way to Pacific Offered $30 million to Mexico for California and New Mexico – Mexico declined!! War began in May 1846
War with Mexico: American troops soon captured New Mexico January 1847: California under U.S. control War moved into Mexico Sept. 1847: Captured Mexico City (Capital) – War ends! 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Rio Grande River – Texas southern border U.S. gets California and New Mexico
Map of Texas
Gadsden Purchase: ,000 square miles - $10 million Eventual route for southern transcontinental railroad