California Westward -

Manifest Destiny

Setting the Stage

By the 1840s President John Quincy Adams, and many Americans, felt that it was the clear or obvious right, or Manifest Destiny of the United States to possess all of the land spanning from the Eastern seaboard to the Pacific Ocean. This attitude of self-determination led to an interest in exploring the lands of the Southwest.

New Mexico Territory

The land that would one day include the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado was known as the New Mexico territory (because it was owned by Mexico).

The capital of the territory was Santa Fe, which was the ending point of a trail that began in St. Louis, MO (and was therefore called the Santa Fe trail). As news of opportunities for trade and business in the southwest spread, more and more Americans left their homes in the midwest and traveled the Santa Fe Trail.

1607

CaliforniaThe California territory was claimed by the Spanish nearly 100 years before the English settled Jamestown (brain teaser: when was Jamestown founded?).

Here they established Missions, or religious settlements to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

Eventually there were 21 Spanish missions along the California coast, each claiming the surrounding land for its own. It was also common practice for Spanish soldiers to build forts near the missions to reinforce Spanish claims in the territory.

Take a guess... although the missionaries claimed to want to help the Native Americans, in reality these indigenous people were often treated very poorly by the Spanish. In fact, thousands died from overwork. (Remember the Encomienda system???)

Year Native population in CATake a

look: 1770 310,000

1850 100,000

The Election of 1844

Manifest Destiny played a significant role in the election of 1844. The Whigs nominated Henry Clay (recall: this person authored the American Plan) as their candidate, while the Democrats nominated a relatively unknown politician: James K. PolkPolk quickly became the favorite because he campaigned to add California, New Mexico, Texas, and Oregon to the US. His Slogan was "54-40' or Fight," referring to the Northernmost boundary of the land.Not surprisinly, Americans showed their support for the expansionist policies of Polk by electing him.

Pros and Cons of Westward Expansion

Pro

1. More territory

2. More opportunities for settlers3. Spreading the American way of life (seen as best in world)

Con

1. Hurting Native

Americans2. Taking Mexican land

3. Dangers to travelers moving west.