Expansion & Conflict

Manifest Destiny and theContentious Politics

of the 1840’s

Slide Narration

For your slides, narrate the image and topics associated with the slides

Page references: (Fifth Edition) Manifest Destiny 368-369 Texas 369-372 Oregon Territory 373-374 Mexican Territory 376-378 Mexican-American War 376-379

The Philosophy of Manifest Destiny:Expansionism & Exceptionalism

James K. Polk“Young Hickory” or “Mr. Manifest Destiny”

1844 ElectionWhigs Abandon

“Misfit” John Tyler and nominate

Henry Clay whoLoses (Again) to

II. Texas

Stephen Austin Sam Houston Gen. Santa Anna

Issues of Conflict: 1) Texas Self Rule 2) Religion 3) Slavery

Texan War for Independence - 1835-1836

“Lone Star”Republic1836-1844

Texas Seeks toJoin Union in 1836

But delayed until 1844Due to SlaveryControversy

III. Oregon Territory

The Oregon Trail(1830’s & 1840’s)

Americans SettlersGreatly Outnumber British

54º 40’ or Fight?How Oregon was Acquired

History of trouble with the British dating back to 1812 Disputed boundaries - “Joint Occupation” not working out Many American missionaries and farmers replace few early

fur trappers via the “Oregon Trail” in 1830’s & 40’sDemocrat Polk makes Oregon “reacquisition” a big issue in

1844 campaign English fear of total US takeover and US need for British

support in brewing conflcit with Mexico leads to peaceful settlement: 1846 Treaty = 49º line between US & Canada

IV. Mexican Territory

California MissionsAbandoned by Spain after

Mexican Independence in 1821

Following Fremont “scientific” expedition, Polk sends John Slidell to offer $30 million to Mexico for

San Francisco Bay in 1845

“Bear Flag” Revolt in Sonoma - 1846Vallejo & Californios deposed

California is temporarily “independent”

Meanwhile…Border Dispute in Texasofficially triggers Mexican-American War

V.Mexican-American War

Lincoln & “conscience” Whigswho oppose “slavery land grab”

are outvoted in Congress

Gen. Zachary Taylorsent into Mexico

U.S. Forces attack several cities in Mexico including their Capital (1000 miles south of “disputed” border)

VI. Impacts of Mexican-American WarTreaty of Guadalupe – Hidalgo (1848)

Southern Newspaper Headline – 1846

Newly acquired land from Mexico causes slavery issue heats up

Political divisions increase

California GoldRush as a catalyst

Statehood &Civil War

U.S. in 1850

Compromise of 1850

Look at pg. 386 How do the compromises of

the 1850s portend war?