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Expansion and Turmoil: U.S. Politics from Van Buren to the California Gold Rush (1841-1859)

Explore the transformative years of 1841-1859 in U.S. history, marked by innovative campaign strategies, significant elections, and the aftermath of the Mexican War. Martin Van Buren suffers a devastating defeat, leading to William Henry Harrison's brief presidency, cut short by his untimely death. Discover the rise of James Polk and the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, culminating in the annexation of Texas and the contentious Mexican War. The Gold Rush ignites California's rapid growth, reshaping the nation, as slavery looms over the political landscape.

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Expansion and Turmoil: U.S. Politics from Van Buren to the California Gold Rush (1841-1859)

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  1. The Country Grows Larger 1841-1859

  2. The Election of 1840 • Martin “Van Ruin” looses in a landslide • Tippecanoe & Tyler too • New campaign methods • Parades • Leaflets • Billboards • The Whigs win!

  3. A Short Presidency • Harrison gives the longest inaugural speech in history • He gets sick and dies 32 days later • The country is stunned • The Whigs have a problem on their hands: the Vice President

  4. John Tyler • John Tyler becomes our 10th President • A strong minded Virginian aristocrat • Battles with his own party • Few accomplishments during his presidency

  5. Election of 1844 • James Polk: Dark horse candidate from Tennessee in 1844 • Campaigns on theme of Manifest Destiny • Slogan: 54-40 or fight • Polk defeats Henry Clay

  6. Ongoing Trouble with Mexico • Texas is annexed in 1845 • Boundary dispute: Rio Grande or the Nueces? • The U.S. is rebuffed in its effort to buy California • This means WAR!

  7. The Mexican War • War is declared in 1846 • Gen. Zachary Taylor “Old Rough & Ready” takes Buena Vista • Gen. Winfield Scott “Old Fuss & Feathers” conquers Mexico City • The war ends quickly

  8. The Election of 1848 • Polk refuses to seek a second term • Slavery issue dominates the election • Whigs nominate General Zachary Taylor • Democrats nominate Lewis Cass • Free Soilers go with Martin Van Buren • “Old Rough & Ready” Wins!

  9. Gold Rush Fever • John Sutter finds gold in California • Fortune seeking “Forty-Niners” rush to stake claims • Population explodes; crime and prices for goods rise • California becomes a state in 1850

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