1. Westward Expansion
Our quest for new territory led to a series of confrontations with other nations
Manifest Destiny -our belief that it was our destiny to possess as much territory as possible

2. How the United States Acquired Texas
Texan Independence Mexico had revolted from Spain, and then invited Americans to move in and use the land for farming.
Americans soon outnumbered the Mexicans and when Mexico outlaws slavery...

3. the Americans broke away and became independent. (1836)
the Americans broke away and became independent. (1836). “Remember the Alamo”

4. Issue of Texas Annexation a formal joint resolution of both houses of Congress added Texas to the US. There was fierce debate on admitting these states because they would upset the balance between the free North and slave South.

5. Fighting For Texas and California: War with Mexico (1846-1848)
Causes of War-
Mexico refused to sell land to the US for $30 million and a dispute over the southern boundary of Texas arose.
US claimed that the Rio Grande was the boundary while Mexico claimed it was the Nueces River... shots fired....

6. Pres. Polk makes an impassioned speech to Congress: Mexico “invaded our territory and shed the blood of our citizens on our own soil.” the US army soon invaded in 1846.

7. Revolt in California also The Bear Flag Revolt – Americans living in California soon revolt as well by declaring California independent as well.

8. Peace Terms-Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo- US paid $15million for the Mexican Cession (California and parts of 5 states) and the Rio Grande became the southern boundary. ironically....

9. Gold Rush in California-1849 gold was discovered
Gold Rush in California-1849 gold was discovered. The ‘49ers soon flooded the territory and the population grew so large that they were admitted as a state in 1850

10. Gadsden Purchase-1853-US paid $10 million for a small piece of land which was flat very important for the creation of railroads across the country that now spread “from sea to shining sea”

11. Settlement—Great Britain won, peace improved between both.
Dispute over Oregon Conflicting Claims—US declared that 54o40’ latitude was northern boundary of northwest US but Great Britain claimed it was at 49o. James Polk used the slogan “54-40 or fight” to win the presidency but...
Settlement—Great Britain won, peace improved between both.
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