Westward Expansion and the Mexican-American War

This set of flashcards covers key events and concepts related to westward expansion and the Mexican-American War, highlighting the dangers, motivations, and significant outcomes of this period in American history.

What significant event is associated with the dangers faced while going west in the 19th century?

The Donner Party tragedy, which exemplifies the risks of the journey, where a significant number of participants died due to exposure and starvation.

What was the average death rate on the Oregon Trail?

An average of ten to fifteen deaths per mile.

What drove many individuals to move west despite the dangers?

The promise of opportunities, such as land for farming, grazing cattle, and potential wealth.

What was the Mexican government's strategy to populate Texas in the early 1800s?

They offered land and resources to encourage settlers from the U.S. to come, provided they became Mexican citizens and converted to Catholicism.

How did the Alamo become a pivotal point in Texas's fight for independence?

The Alamo's fall symbolized resistance against Santa Ana's dictatorship, and it motivated Texians to rally for independence.

Who was John L. O’Sullivan and what concept did he promote?

He was a newspaper editor who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny', suggesting it was the U.S.'s God-given right to expand across the continent.

What was the main outcome of the Mexican-American War?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded a vast amount of territory from Mexico to the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

A proposal to ban slavery in any territory acquired through the Mexican-American War, reflecting the growing tensions over slavery.

What concept emerged as a solution to the slavery debate in new territories?

Popular sovereignty, allowing residents of the territories to decide if they would permit slavery.

What significant gold discovery occurred in 1850, and how did it impact statehood?

Gold was discovered in California, leading to a massive influx of settlers and prompting considerations for its statehood.