1. Westward Expansion (1820-1860) Manifest Destiny: –America/U.S. is destined by God to move to the west, expanding American democracy from Atlantic to the Pacific Native Americans forced to move West Andrew Jackson/ U.S. invaded Florida; Reasons: –Prevent attacks by Seminole Indians from Florida –Prevent the escape of slaves from the southeast to Florida James-Onis Treaty – Spain gives Florida to U.S. New Roads (National Road)/Canals to the West Oregon – claimed by U.S., G.B. and Russia Oregon Trail – used by thousand of pioneers Gold Fever in California-1848 to 1849 (the 49ers)

2. Mexico and Texas Mexican Independence → More Democracy Mexico encourages immigration to Texas Texans seek autonomy, guarantee of permanent slave territory status New dictator Santa Ana takes power in Mexico; Texas begins to rebel, war starts Texans lose the Battle of the Alamo; “Victory or Death” – 180 Texans & 1,500 Mexicans die Chanting “Remember the Alamo”, Texans win the Battle of San Jacinto Texas is independent nation from 1836 to 1845

3. Plan of James Polk James Polk is elected over Henry Clay in 1844 Polk wanted to annex Texas & Oregon to the U.S., and buy California from Mexico; extend nation from ocean to ocean Great Britain and U.S. divide Oregon Territory along the 49 th Parallel Polk offers Mexico $30 million for California & New Mexico; Mexico refuses the offer Clashes between U.S. and Mexico over the disputed Texas border – Polk decides to use this as the excuse for a war to gain the land he wants

4. Mexican-American War Polk sends troops to disputed territory Mexico attacked, Polk called it an unprovoked invasion of the U.S., and responded with a declaration of war The U.S. won after two years Many in the U.S. thought the war unfair Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo: The U.S. receives California, New Mexico and the rest of southwest for $ 15 million