2. Edited by Tony Nassivera 2006 ( Some slides edited from Susan Pojer and Carol Jean Cox)

3. The actions Americans took during the 19 th century established the borders of the 48 contiguous states

4. By the end of Jefferson’s presidency the United States had more than doubled in size.

6. Early Exploration In the period following the explorations of Lewis & Clark and Zebulon Pike very few settlers ventured into the west Trappers – Fur Traders Mountain Men – Jedidiah Smith Surveyors – John C. Fremont

8. Manifest Destiny "Our manifest destiny (is) to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions." John O' Sullivan "Democratic Review” 1845 Zinn pg. 152

9. Early settlers of the west traveled along Native American routes, The Santa Fe and Oregon Trails - Wagons became the most popular method of travel; Conestoga and Prairie Schooners

10. “This is the Place” Mormons founded by Joseph Smith in New York Moved west to avoid persecution Faced mob-violence and the death of Smith in Illinois Brigham Young lead them to Utah where they settled and built Salt Lake City

11. Joint Occupation of Oregon Territory Established boundary at 49 degrees 1844 Election Battle Cry – “54’40 or Fight” British relinquish all territorial claims

12. Texas Declares Independence 1820s Newly independent Mexico calls for Americans to help settle and stabilize their northern regions Stephen F. Austin recruits hundreds of settlers to move to Texas 1829 – Mexico attempts to control Texans by forcing Roman Catholicism conversion and outlawing slavery

13. “Remember the Alamo!” Santa Anna attempted to enforce Mexican laws Attacked at Goliad and The Alamo in San Antonio Under Leadership of Sam Houston Texans defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto and forced a treaty granting Texan Independence and the Rio Grande as the border – Lone-Star Republic Mexico refused to acknowledge the treaty

14. “JAME S K. POLK” by They Might Be Giants In 1844, the Democrats were split The three nominees for the presidential candidate Were Martin Van Buren, a former president and an abolitionist James Buchanan, a moderate Lewis Cass, a general and expansionist From Nashville came a dark horse riding up He was James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump!

15. Austere, severe, he held few people dear His oratory filled his foes with fear The factions soon agreed He's just the man we need To bring about victory Fulfill our Manifest Destiny And annex the land the Mexicans command And when the votes were cast the winner was Mister James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump!

17. In four short years he met his every goal He seized the whole southwest from Mexico Made sure the tariffs fell And made the English sell the Oregon Territory He built an independent treasury Having done all this he sought no second term But precious few have mourned the passing of Mister James K. Polk, our eleventh president “Young Hickory,” Napoleon of the Stump!

18. The War with Mexico December 29, 1845 Texas entered the Union President Polk argued that a war with Mexico would not only bring in Texas but also New Mexico and California to the Union Mexico claimed the Nueces River as the border while the US claimed the Rio Grande River

19. President Polk attempted to negotiate for the southwest land but Mexico refused Polk order General Zachary Taylor’s army into the disputed territory.

20. California John C. Fremont entered California and began fighting the Mexicans Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande and attacked US soldiers 1846 – American Settlers declared the independence of the Bear Republic (California)

21. Led by Generals Taylor and Winfield Scott, the Americans handily defeat the Mexicans Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – Rio Grande as border with Texas; ceded New Mexico and California to US for $15 million

22. 1853 – President Pierce authorized purchase of property south of the Gila River in order to clear the way for a southern railroad route to the Pacific – Gadsden Purchase