1. Thinking question
Write your answer to this question from the “slavery without submission” reading:
What was the most effective (or appropriate) means of resistance to slavery: rebellion, escape, or subtle forms of resistance (slowdowns, sabotage, etc.)?

2. United states history
Class #2, week of April 1, 2019

3. The conflict with mexico

4. President Polk’s Plans for an American Empire
President James K. Polk
When President James K. Polk took office in 1845, he wrote down 3 goals in his journal:
1) Annex Texas
2) Solidify possession of Oregon (a territory disputed with Great Britain)
3) Acquire California from Mexico

5. The Conflict over Oregon
The U.S. and Britain both sent settlers to the Oregon Country in the early 1800s
Many people in the U.S. thought it was worth going to war to possess the whole territory (“54-40 or Fight”)
Polk negotiated with Britain, and in 1846 the two countries agreed to divide the territory at 49 deg. North Latitude

6. Annexation of Texas
1836
1845
The northern third of Mexico was sparsely populated
Shortly after Mexican Independence (1821), American settlers began crossing the border and settling in Texas
The American settlers and Mexican government had disputes regarding religion, slavery, and language
Texas fought a war of independence in 1836
The U.S. Congress approved the annexation of Texas in 1845

7. Polk’s war message
May 12, 1846

8. The wilmot proviso

9. Options: war with Mexico?