1. A Century of Expansion
The Realization of America’s Destiny:

2. Before Independence Britain wins the French & Indian War
Royal government needs to pay off war debts – will lead to Stamp Act etc;
Colonial expansion restricted by the Proclamation Line of 1763

3. Gains of the Revolutionary War
Treaty of Paris
Living space from Appalachians west to the Mississippi River
Eases population pressure on the Atlantic seaboard

4. The Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon and France did not hold onto it for long!

5. The Louisiana Purchase
In 1803 President Jefferson just wanted New Orleans.
Sec. of State Madison got all 900,000 acres for $15 million.

6. The Louisiana Purchase
Was the purchase legal?
Jefferson’s argument
What did we just buy? The need to find out, leads to Lewis & Clark Expedition

7. Lewis & Clark, and Zebulon Pike
Lewis & Clark expedition reaches the Pacific Ocean
Zebulon Pike explores the Rocky Mountains in southern Louisiana territory
Which nations might be concerned by U.S. encroachment?

8. Unfinished Business in Florida
Spain - weakened and distracted by revolution
Seminole Indians rise up against settlers
General Andrew Jackson invades, then stays
Transcontinental Treaty (Adams-Onis) 1819

9. Need arises because of the slavery issue
Missouri Compromise
Need arises because of the slavery issue

10. Missouri Compromise - 1820 Missouri added as a slave state
Maine added as a free state
Will new latitude boundary be enforced?
Issue of slavery temporarily solved

11. Don’t Mess with Texas: Independence & the Mexican-American War
Mexico gains freedom from Spain
Stephen F. Austin founds the colony of Texas – 1822
Texas War for Independence
Santa Anna, Travis & The Alamo

12. Don’t Mess with Texas: Independence & the Mexican-American War
-Annexation of Texas: 1845
-President James K. Polk defends U.S. actions & interests
-Mexican-American War:
-The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

13. Gadsden Purchase: 1853 30,000 sq. miles for $10 million
Done primarily for mining & railroad interests

14. Oregon Country: Claiming the Northwest Territories
American interest grows after Lewis & Clark expedition
2,000 mile journey on the Oregon Trail to get there

15. Oregon Country: Claiming the Northwest Territories
American settlers want land as far north as possible
54-40’ or Fight argument led by James Polk
Agreement with Britain reached at 49th Parallel

16. Alaska: 1867 Seward’s Folly? I don’t think so!

17. But how would the closing of the frontier affect America?
The Dream of 1763
Realized by 1867
But how would the closing of the frontier affect America?