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This comprehensive overview examines the era of Manifest Destiny in America from 1837 to 1845, focusing on significant events such as the Panic of 1837, the political struggles between Democrats and Whigs, and the impact of economic policies. Key topics include Van Buren’s response to economic turmoil, the election of 1840, the complications surrounding Texas annexation, and Polk's aggressive expansionism. The narrative captures the tension between national interests and regional issues, highlighting the political strategies that shaped the nation during this transformative period.
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VAN BUREN TO POLK MANIFEST DESTINY 1837 to 1845
The Panic of 1837 • Causes: War on the Bank • The Species Circular • Over speculation on western land.
Van Buren’s response • The Divorce Bill • An Independent Treasury • Whigs want to re-charter the Bank of the United States. • The Economic collapse is blamed on Van Buren.
Election of 1840 Harrison v. Van Buren • Whig slogan: “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!” • Clay and Webster want Harrison as “figurehead President.” • Issue no platform.”Cider and Log Cabin Campaign.” • Van Buren banded as Aristocrat. Harrison as a man of the people.
Harrison wins 234 to 60 • First Whig victory in 16 years. • Clay and Webster expect to run the administration. • Harrison promises to defer to Congress. Makes Webster his Sec. of State. • One month later April 4 Harrison dies.
John Tyler Becomes President. • Tyler is a Democrat in Whig’s clothing. • A states’ rights supporter, not a Whig nationalist. • Vetoes Clay’s Fiscal Bank Bill • Vetoes Fiscal Corporation Bill • Whigs call Tyler “His Accidency.”
A war of word with Britain. • Roots of anti British feelings • 2 wars, British attitude of superiority • British are creditors. We owe them money • British bitter about American failure to pay after Panic of 1837.
Maine and the War of the Maps. • The Aroostook Valley war. • Boundary in dispute since 1783 • British want to protect Halifax road. • Private diplomacy-- Lord Ashburton • 12,000 square miles in dispute. • U.S. gets 7,000 & British take 5,000
Battle of the maps. • Ashburton and Webster produce phony maps. • Use them to convince Parliament and Congress • The trick works and war is averted.
Texas on its own 1836 to 1844 • Jackson and Van Buren feared annexation would re-open slavery issue. • Mexico threatened war if we annexed Texas. • Texas sought treaties with France, Holland, & Belgium
More… • The South demanded annexation in 1844. “Texas or Disunion!” • The election of 1844 Polk for the Democrats v. Clay for the Whigs. • Polk was an expansionists. Slogan: “54, 40 or Fight!” • Polk wins 170 to 105
More… on election of 1844 • but only 38,000 votes out of 2.6 million difference between the candidates. • The Liberty Party polled 60,000 votes. • Tyler the “Lame Duck” claims a mandate to annex Texas. • Calls for a “Joint Resolution” from Congress. Texas becomes 28th State.
“Young Hickory’s goals as President: • Resolve Oregon boundary • Lower tariff rates. • Walker Tariff 1846 cuts rate to 25% • Restore the Independent Treasury (dropped in 1841 by Whigs) • Acquisition of California.
Oregon Boundary Dispute. • US want 54,40. British claim 42nd parallel. • Oregon valued for fur trade. • Basis of American claim: Robert Grey discovered Columbia River 1792 • Lewis & Clark • Oregon Trail 1846 Willamette Valley
Polk promised 54,40 or fight during the election • Gives the nation neither. • Compromise extends 49 parallel line to the Pacific.
California acquisition would complete our Manifest Destiny. • MANIFEST DESTINY: US to overspread the continent • President Polk wanted California. • By legal means if possible. If not by legal means he would take California.
