1. Manifest Destiny Day 1 Tyler and Texas
American History I
SRMHS
Mr. Hensley

2. Spanish Settlements
Spanish settlements in New Mexico, Texas and California fail to thrive
Only about 50,000 Spanish in all of America north of the Rio Grande
Natives have obtained firearms and horses now and are dangerous (Apache and Comanche)

3. Mexican Independence
Beginning in early 1800’s, Mexico tries to achieve independence from Spain
Resentment against unequal treatment of Creoles (born in Mexico) versus Penisulares (born in Spain)
Mexico achieves independence in 1821
Monroe Doctrine in 1823

4. Santa Fe Trail
Mexican independence allows for trade with U.S. (Spain had forbid this – why?)
Santa Fe Trail connects Missouri to New Mexico
Mexico trades silver, horses and furs for American manufactured goods

5. Trail Crossed Native Territory

6. Mexican Territory 1825

7. Invitation to Texas Texas territory only occupied by 4,000 Mexicans
Mexico invites Americans to settle as a buffer to Native threats
Americans must become Mexican citizens, give up slavery and convert to Catholicism
Stephen Austin is one of the first empresarios

8. Tensions Build in Texas
By 1835, 30,000 Americans live in Texas
They ignore Mexican law on slavery (Texas is perfect for cotton) and don’t convert
In 1834, General Santa Anna takes over Mexican government
In 1835, Americans in Texas revolt

9. Remember the Alamo!
March 1836: Americans are trapped in a mission in San Antonio known as The Alamo
Santa Anna surrounds and outnumbers them
“No survivors” policy to terrify Americans into surrender
This plan backfires….

10. Battle of San Jacinto
A month later (April 1836), the Americans (led by Sam Houston) destroy the Mexican army and capture Santa Anna
Houston drew out Santa Anna with a faked retreat then did a surprise attack
Mexico is forced to recognize Texas independence

11. The Lone Star Republic
From 1836 until 1845 – Texas is an independent nation
Mexico refuses to recognize Texas
Borders are in dispute (Nueces vs. Rio Grande)
Comanche attacks are relentless and Mexicans try multiple invasions

12. Annexation Controversy
Democrats are in favor of annexation
Democrats support westward expansion (“Manifest Destiny’)
Whigs fear annexation will lead to war with Mexico
Northerners oppose extension of slavery

13. Martin Van Ruin Jackson’s Specie Act causes the Panic of 1837
Country is in a deep recession throughout Van Buren’s term of office
Van Buren blamed for bad economy
Spoils system appointees accused of incompetence and corruption

14. Old Tip and the Election of 1840
Whigs run war hero William Henry Harrison (“Old Tip) and VP John Tyler (from Virginia)
Campaign focuses on popularity of Harrison
Blames Van Buren for recession
Harrison wins! The first Whig President

15. His Accidency Harrison dies in 1841, after one month in office
VP Tyler takes over
Tyler not a Whig, he is a Jackson Democrat
Tyler vetoes legislation to bring back the Bank of US and strengthen Clay’s American System
Tyler is in favor of Texas annexation

16. Texas Divides the Nation
Those in favor of annexation (most Democrats) welcome war with Mexico and see Texas statehood as a way to preserve slavery
Those opposed (most Whigs) reject war with Mexico and want to see the expansion of slavery stopped
Tyler signs annexation bill in December 1845

17. Election of 1844
James Polk, Democrat from Tennessee, is a “dark horse” candidate
Whigs nominate Henry Clay; Tyler runs as an independent
Voting along regional lines – North vs. South
Polk runs on Manifest Destiny platform
Polk narrowly wins

18. Review: Tyler and Texas
BIG QUESTIONS: How did Texas become a state and why was its statehood controversial?
Needing a buffer against hostile Natives, Mexico invited Americans to settle Texas. They soon rebelled and became an independent nation. The annexation of Texas was controversial because it was feared that war with Mexico would result – a war that some welcomed and others opposed. As a slave state, Texas statehood was seen by Southerners as a way of putting many more pro-slavery politicians into Congress. Which is why anti-slavery Northerners were against it.