Manifest Destiny and the Expansion of the United States (1835-1848)

1. Final Review Chapters 9-12

2. Chapter 9Manifest Destiny (1835-1848) In this period, Americans strove to expand the nation’s boundaries. Many believed they had a “manifest destiny” to spread democratic ideals. Others simply wanted to go west to find a new and better life. In Texas, settlers came into conflict with Mexico; while those going west on the Oregon Trail came into conflict with Native Americans.

3. Manifest Destiny • The idea that God had given the continent to Americans and wanted them to settle western land • “To overspread the continent allotted by Providence” • Fueled our actions in the west

4. Bear Flag Republic • California settlers declare California independent of Mexico on June 14, 1846. • They renamed the region the Bear Flag Republic • After only a few weeks, the Bear Flag Republic came to an end when US naval forces occupied San Diego and San Francisco

5. Sam Houston • Led the army of the Republic of Texas to victory over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto • Elected president of the Republic of Texas • Later served as a US Senator when Texas joined the country

6. William B. Travis • Commanded a small force holed up in an abandoned Spanish Catholic mission called The Alamo • Sought to delay Santa Anna and give Houston’s army more time to prepare • The Texans held off Santa Anna for 13 days • They were eventually defeated, but they had bought Houston’s army nearly two extra weeks to organize

7. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna • President of Mexico • Sparked the Texas Revolution when he instituted a less democratic form of government • Crushed by Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto

8. “Fifty-four Forty or Fight” • President Polk’s supporters used this campaign slogan to declare that they all wanted all of Oregon to the line of 54° 40’ north latitude • Polk said that the US had a “clear and unquestionable” right to Oregon despite Britain’s claims • SOUNDS LIKE MANIFEST DESTINY TO ME!!

9. Donner Party • In 1846, a group of 87 overlanders were trapped by winter snows high in the Sierra Nevada. • After 41 died of starvation, those still alive faced the choice of death of cannibalism • Many did resort to cannibalism in order to survive

10. San Jacinto • TURNING POINT in the Texas Revolution • Santa Anna makes a mistake – allows his men to sleep in the afternoon • Houston, shielded from sight by a hill, launches an afternoon attack – surprise attack • “Remember the Alamo!” = Battle cry • Battle lasted less than 20 minutes – many wounded or killed • Santa Anna captured • Texas had won the war

11. Stephen Austin • The first, and by far, the most successful empresario in Texas • Empresario = “agents” who promised to fill land with settlers • Founded the town of Washington-on-the-Brazos • By mid-1830s, persuaded 1500 American families to immigrate to Texas

12. Annexation of Texas • Played a role in slavery debate • Most Texans had voted in favor of annexation • Its entrance into the Union would upset the fragile balance between slave and free states • Texas already had a significant population of Southerners who had brought their slaves – slavery would be supported • Antislavery leaders called this a “pro-slavery plot”

13. Mexican-American War • The annexation of Texas and disputes over its southern border angered Mexico • Polk ordered Zachary Taylor to cross the Nueces River forcing Mexico to be the aggressor – “American blood has been shed on American soil.” • To expand the army, the US needed volunteers • Leads to the independence of California • Mexico City captured in September • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – Mexico ceded 500,000 sq. miles of land, the Rio Grande was southern border of Texas • Another example of MANIFEST DESTINY