MANIFEST DESTINY

The belief that it was God’s will that the U.S. expand from sea to shining sea

Market revolution, advancements in transportation and increasing nationalism drove Americans to seek opportunities and spread the virtue of America across the continent

Harrison (Whig elected)› Figurehead president: Clay ran most of

show› Died 4 weeks after being elected

John Tyler (his V.P.) replaced him› Switched from Jacksonian Democrat to

Whig (a democrat in Whig’s clothing)› “Tyler Precedent”

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty-1842

Britain and US still have poor relations Brits want to build a road from Halifax

to Quebec through disputed ME land claim

Aroostook War Settled by Webster-Ashburton Treaty Divided the territory and settled

boundary line PLUS settled Northern boundary of Minnesota

Mexico believed that Texas was a territory in revolt

Texas negotiated with Britain and France for protection

Britain wanted an independent Texas to control American southward expansion. France was thinking the same thing.

Texas was also an area without Tariffs.

The North against the south for Before Polk took office, he called for a

joint resolution to annex Texas because he could not get a 2/3rds Senate vote. › A joint resolution meant that each house

must have a majority vote (a simple majority) to pass an annexation.

› Texas was invited into the Union in 1845. Mexico was NOT happy

Oregon was a territory under much dispute with Spain, Russia, Britain, the US,

Spain backed out after the Adams-Onis Treaty (Florida Purchase) and the Russians backed above the 54*40’ line after treaties with Britain and the US.

Treaty of 1818 – Joint territory: US/Britain Major issue of 1844 Campaign. Polk’s

slogan: “Fifty-four forty or fight!”

Oregon- The Results

Polk negotiates with Britain US settles on the 49th parallel Cedes Vancouver Island to Britain Gives them navigation rights on

Columbia River

James A Polk wins 1844 election vs. Clay› Polk is Expansionist Democrat

Democrats were passionate about Manifest Destiny › (expansion from east to the west and the

north to the south) Democrats view their victory as a

“mandate” to take Texas

Polk wanted to purchase CA but Mexico was mad at U.S., diplomatic relations over

Rumor that California was being eyed by the British. › If the British acquired it, then the Monroe

Doctrine would be violated › Polk sent John Slidell to Mexico City to

propose up to $25 million to buy CA.› The Mexicans felt insulted by this act.

Polk sent Gen. Zachary Taylor to Mexico

April 25, 1846 - Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and attacked Taylor’s command, 16 casualties

Polk asked Congress to declare war and they did› Everyone did not want war (Whigs)› Lincoln and Spot Resolutions

California fell easily, aided by explorer John Freemont

Gen Zachary Taylor in charge of main thrust. › At Buena Vista, Taylor and 5,000 troops defeat

20,000 strong Mexican Army. General Winfield Scott was sent to Mexico City

› Defeats Mexicans in brilliant campaign-1847

Trist signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb 2, 1848› Terms gave Texas and California to

America› Plus most of Southwest (NM, AZ, UT, NV)› America would pay $15 million for the land

and assumed the claims of its citizens in amount of $3,250,000

Small war, large land gains for U.S. Training ground for Civil War leaders Foreign countries gained respect for

U.S. and its army The Mexican war was a factor that led

to the Civil War (sectionalism and slavery)

Revived the issue of slavery

Wilmot Proviso-Splits North and South

1846 by PA Representative David Wilmot

Proposed amendment forbid slavery in any new lands acquired by war with Mexico

Passed in House, failed in Senate Signaled start of a deep crisis pitting

North vs. South over slavery, states’ rights, and representation