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Objectives: explain the spirit and meaning of the Manifest Destiny that
inspired American expansionism in the 1840s.Outline the major conflicts between Britain and the United
States over debts, Maine, Canada, Texas, Oregon, and growing British hostility to slavery.
Explain why the U.S. government increasingly saw the independent Texas Republic as a threat and sought to pursue annexation
AP FocusA member of the Democratic Party, John Tyler, becomes the
Whig’s vice-presidential candidate in 1840. When President William Henry Harrison dies just one month into his term, Tyler, much to the distress of Whig party loyalists, such as Henry Clay, is elevated to the presidency.
Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States is divinely inspired to spread across the continent, becomes the rationale for widespread territorial expansion. Critics repudiate it as nothing short of unbridled imperialism.
CHAPTER THEMESAmerican expansionism gained
momentum in the 1840s, leading first to the acquisition of Texas and Oregon, and then to the Mexican War, which added vast southwestern territories to the United States and ignited the slavery question
American international prestige grows as the United States expands. Successful military campaigns against Mexico along with well-negotiated treaties with Britain force Europe to respect America more, while Latin America begins to be wary of the Colossus of the North.
James K. Polk-The 4 point program1. Lower tariffs-Walker Tariff2. Restore the independent treasury3. Acquisition of California4. Settlement of the Oregon disputeDid not follow the 54 forty or fight“Great Britain is powerful and Mexico is weak”
Senator Benton, MO
California in 184513,000 Spanish Mexicans75,000 Native Americans<1,000 foreigners (Americans)
Polk wanted to buy California from MexicoOnce the U.S. acquired Texas, Mexico ended
diplomatic relationsDispute over the southern boundary, the Rio
Grande or Nueces RiverPolk sent John Slidell to Mexico to offer 25 million
for California, but was not receivedRumor was Britain was about to acquire
California
Polk dispatched General Zachary Taylor to march from the Nueces River to the Rio Grande-provocatively near Mexican forces
No clash started by May 9, 1846 and he wanted to declare war on 2 grounds:1. unpaid claims2. Slidell’s rejection
April 25, 1846-Mexico kills/wounds 16 AmericansCongressman Lincoln wanted to know the spot on
American soil where American blood had been shed.
Did Polk provoke war?California importantKeep away from BritainGrievances against MexicoTeach Mexico a lessonMexico wanted to humiliate the bullies to the
North
Exiled Santa Anna tricked the U.S. into allowing him to slip into Mexico.
Southwest and California operations a complete success
General Stephen W. Kearny-Santa Fe TrailCaptain John C. Fremont-overthrew Mexican rule
in California with help from local Americans-California Bear Flag Republic
Buena Vista turning point for Taylor the U.S. Feb. 22-23, 1847
General Winfield Scott battled to Mexico City by September 1847
Nicholas P. Trist-Chief clerk at the State Department negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Confirmed American title to Texas and yielded the area westward to Oregon
U.S. paid 15 million for the landClaims of its citizens against Mexico
($3,250,00)Why did the U.S. offer to pay an indemnity to
Mexico, especially after it had been forced on them?
13,000 American lives, most to diseaseU.S. size increased by a third Trained Civil War military leaders:
1. Captain Robert E. Lee2. Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant
Justified the academies at West Point and Annapolis
SlaveryWilmot Proviso-amendment to ban slavery in any
land acquired from MexicoNever became Federal law, but endorsed
by all but 1 of the free states