Manifest Destiny and Western Expansion

Unit 4.1 Notes APUSH

Manifest Destiny

The theory that the US was destined to expand across the continent from east coast to west coast, often considered 'God's Will'.

Louisiana Purchase

A land deal in 1803 that doubled the size of the United States.

War of 1812

A conflict that bolstered US nationalism and established it as a world power.

Mormons

A religious group founded by Joseph Smith in 1827, known for their practice of polygamy and led west to Utah by Brigham Young.

Texas Revolution

A rebellion against Mexican rule in Texas, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1836.

Battle of the Alamo

A pivotal event in the Texas Revolution where all Texan defenders were killed, leading to Texan independence.

Indian Removal Act

A law enacted in 1830 that facilitated the movement of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi.

Oregon Trail

A major route for settlers moving west, often plagued by disease, bad conditions, and starvation.

Donner Party

A group of American pioneers who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-47, resorting to cannibalism to survive.

Mexican War

A conflict between the US and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, culminating in the US acquisition of vast territories in the West.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The treaty that ended the Mexican War, resulting in Mexico ceding lands that became California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.

California Gold Rush

A mass migration to California in 1849 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill.

Gadsden Purchase

An 1853 purchase of land from Mexico that facilitated the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad.

'54-40 or Fight'

A campaign slogan used by James K. Polk that expressed American claims to the Oregon Territory.

James K. Polk

The 11th President of the United States, noted for his expansionist policies and leading the country during the Mexican War.