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?
Top Related