Expansion and Conflict

The Lure of the West Manifest Destiny – a belief that “even God wanted America to stretch coast to coast.” There were potentially more markets for goods There was definitely more land for cotton production The Texas Revolution Texas would win it’s independence from Mexico in This was a “powder keg” in regards to relations with Mexico and the U.S. Texas was an attractive piece of the Manifest Destiny puzzle. Discussion of annexation quickly ensued. Mexico politely informed the U.S. that annexation of Texas would be an act of war against the Mexican Republic. James K. Polk won the Election of 1844 —his platform called for annexation of Texas and acquiring more land in the west. With his election, tensions between the U.S. and Mexico grew rapidly. As President, Polk sent representatives to Mexico City to discuss the boarder between the U.S. and Mexico as well as buy New Mexico and California. Hostilities would eventually break out, leading to war.

The Spanish decide to settle California Mexico takes possession of California

The Mexican American War Outcomes: 1. The United States acquired the northern half of Mexico. This area later became the U.S. states of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah 2. President Santa Anna lost power in Mexico following the war. 3. U.S. General Zachary "Old Rough and Ready" Taylor used his fame as a war hero to win the Presidency in A true irony is that President Polk, a Democrat, pushed for the war that led to Taylor, a Whig, winning the White House. 4. Relations between the United States and Mexico remained tense for many decades to come, with several military encounters along the border. 5. For the United States, this war provided a training-ground for the men who would lead the Northern and Southern armies in the upcoming American Civil War. 6. Admission of California into the U.S. – Bear Flag Revolt 7. Gadsden Purchase – The U.S. eventually purchased additional land from Mexico – Arizona and new Mexico

In the space provided below, please list support and opposition to Manifest Destiny Supporters Opponents

IN the space provided below, please identify the causes and effects of the Texas Revolution Causes Effects

Mining towns after 1848

People Goals Results Mountain Men Missionaries Mormons Use the Graphic organizer below to give examples of people who moved to the Far West, what their goals were, and how well they achieved their goals.

The Promise of Trade

Mountain Men and Western Settlements Motivations Effects Rendezvous System

The California Gold Rush Initially discovered at John Sutter’s Mill in Sacramento in early As this news leaked merchants used this as a ploy to draw people to California. A variety of methods were used to get there $300-$400 a day was not uncommon, in 1849 over $10 million in gold was mined Those that found nothing far outnumbered those that struck it rich Panning was the most common method. Coyoteing – digging a 20’40’ shaft and tunneling in all directions would become the most profitable. Mining communities would pop up all over the west. The real money was made in selling goods to those that were looking for gold. By 1851 industrial mining became the norm and the “Riches” quickly disappeared. This was, however, the emergence of the “Wild West.”