1. Manifest Destiny and its Legacy 1841-1848
Chapter 17
Manifest Destiny and its Legacy

2. The Lone Star Republic Province in rebellion? Threats to US
Great Britain wanted an independent Texas
Slavery issue

3. Texas Annexation Presidential election 1844 “Texas or Disunion”
James K. Polk vs. Henry Clay
Polk victory= popular mandate
Joint resolution by Tyler 1845
Texas= 28th state
Mexican reaction

4. Oregon Fever Boundary disputes
Spain
Great Britain US
Occupation of the Willamette River Valley 49°
“Oregon Fever”

7. Manifest Destiny 1844: Clay vs. James K. Polk (“the dark horse)
Manifest Destiny empire building
Democrat slogans vs. Whig slogans
Polk victory (Liberty party= spoiler) mandate for Texas?

8. Polk’s Accomplishments
1. Walker Tariff of 1846
2. Restore an independent treasury
3. Reoccupation of Oregon (compromised boundary line) northern anger
4. Acquisition of California

9. Problems with Mexico California coveted (Manifest Destiny!)
Money owed to US
Texas annexation
Boundary disputes between Mexico and Texas- Nueces vs. Rio Grande
John Slidell

11. The Mexican-American War
General Zachary Taylor
April 25, 1846: “American blood shed on American soil”
Double crossing Santa Anna
General Stephen W. Kearny
Captain John C. Fremont- California Bear Flag Republic

12. The Mexican-American War
Zachary Taylor- “Old Rough and Ready”, “Hero of Buena Vista”
General Winfield Scott Mexico City 1847
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo negotiated by Nicholas P. Trist
Problems back home with “Mexican Whigs”

14. Pros and Cons of War 13,000 Americans died Mexican Cession
War experience to future leaders- American military power
US= bad image to Mexico and Latin America
Slavery issues enflamed
Wilmot Proviso