westward expansion

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that the U.S. was destined by God to expand its territory across North America, bringing liberty and civilization.

When was Manifest Destiny defined?

During the 1840s, particularly in the context of U.S. territorial expansion.

What was the impact of Manifest Destiny on Native Americans?

Forced relocation, violence, and displacement from ancestral lands.

How did Manifest Destiny affect slavery?

The expansion created tensions over whether new states would allow slavery.

What were personal motivations for moving west?

Seeking new opportunities, land, resources; escaping economic hardship or religious persecution.

How was American culture's view on Manifest Destiny?

Manifest Destiny was seen as a divine mission, often depicted in art like the 'American Progress' painting.

What excuse was often used for expansion during Manifest Destiny?

The concept claimed to spread liberty but often served as a justification for imperialism and conquest.

How did people settle the West?

They moved via trails like Oregon, Santa Fe, and California, establishing towns, farms, and businesses.

What attracted settlers to California and Oregon?

The California Gold Rush and Oregon's fertile land attracted settlers earlier than the Great Plains.

What challenges did settlers face on the Oregon Trail?

Harsh conditions, disease, and long travel times.

Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

John O'Sullivan.

Who were Joseph Smith and Brigham Young?

Founders of Mormonism; Smith established the faith, and Young led Mormons to Utah for religious freedom.

What does the American Progress painting depict?

Columbia (symbolizing America) spreading westward, carrying civilization and technology.

Who were the Mountain Men?

Trappers and explorers who helped pave the way for settlers.

What are the major trails taken by settlers?

Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail.

What was Oregon Fever?

The mass migration to Oregon for fertile land and a fresh start.

What was the California Gold Rush?

The 1848 discovery of gold in California, leading to a massive influx of settlers.

What was the Mormon Migration?

The relocation of Mormons to Utah to escape persecution and establish a religious community.

What was the Texas Revolution?

The conflict between Texas settlers and the Mexican government leading to Texas independence.

What happened in 1821 related to Texas?

Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Stephen Austin brought settlers into Texas.

What did Americans resent about the Coahuila-Tejas Province?

They resented the merging of Texas with Coahuila, which diluted their political influence.

What was the attempted purchase of Texas?

The U.S. tried to buy Texas, but Mexico refused, fearing the loss of territory.

What happened to Stephen Austin in 1833?

He was imprisoned in Mexico for advocating Texas independence.

What did Santa Anna do in 1834?

He became a dictator, centralizing power and restricting Texas' autonomy.

Why did Texans seek independence?

Due to grievances over Mexico's control, including restrictions on slavery and self-government.

Who were the key figures at the Alamo?

William Travis, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Juan Seguin were key defenders.

What was Santa Anna’s surprise at the Alamo?

He attacked quickly, catching the defenders off-guard.

What were Travis' orders regarding the Alamo?

Sam Houston wanted Bowie to abandon the Alamo, but he stayed to defend.

What was the tragic outcome of the Alamo?

Texans never learned of reinforcements and were overwhelmed.

What do 'Remember the Alamo' and 'Remember the Goliad' refer to?

Both refer to massacres that galvanized Texan resistance.

What was the Texas Declaration of Independence?

Document declaring Texas' independence from Mexico.

What happened in the Battle of the Alamo?

In 1836, Texan forces were overwhelmed by Santa Anna's troops.

What was significant about the Battle of San Jacinto?

It was the final battle of the Texas Revolution, resulting in Texan victory and Santa Anna's capture.

What did the Treaty of Velasco accomplish?

It ended the Texas Revolution, granting Texas independence.

What was the process of annexing Texas?

Incorporating Texas into the United States.

What were some arguments for the annexation of Texas?

Manifest Destiny, expanding the U.S., and securing Texas from potential foreign threats.

What were some arguments against the annexation of Texas?

Fear of exacerbating tensions over slavery, the costs of war, and impacts on U.S.-Mexico relations.

What was President Tyler's position on annexation?

He supported annexation but faced opposition in Congress.

What was President Polk's position on annexation?

He advocated for the annexation and succeeded in bringing Texas into the Union.

What was the result of Texas being admitted as a slave state?

It fueled further division over slavery.

What did '54° 40' or Fight' refer to?

Polk's slogan related to the boundary dispute with Britain over Oregon Territory.

What caused the Mexican-American War?

Mexico's instability and Polk's actions provoked the conflict.

What does 'American blood spilled on American soil' refer to?

A misleading statement as the conflict was in disputed territory, not U.S. soil.

Why did America win the Mexican-American War?

Superior resources, military strategy, and leadership gave the U.S. an advantage.

What was Zachary Taylor's role in the war?

He led successful campaigns but was demoted after his popularity surged.

What was Polk's motivation for New Mexico and California?

To secure these territories for strategic and economic reasons.

What happened after Santa Anna's return?

After being exiled, he regained power but was defeated by American forces.

What was significant about the amphibious assault at Veracruz?

It was the U.S.'s first large amphibious assault.

What ended the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What was the Battle of Monterrey?

A significant victory for U.S. forces in northern Mexico.

What was the Bear Flag Revolt?

American settlers in California rebelled against Mexico, leading to California's declaration of independence.

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish?

It ended the war and ceded large territories to the U.S.

Who was President Polk?

Led the U.S. through the Mexican-American War and pushed for territorial expansion.

Who was Santa Anna?

Mexican general and president, whose actions led to the war.

What role did Zachary Taylor play after the war?

He achieved victories during the war and later became president.

Who was General Kearny?

He led forces into New Mexico and California, securing them for the U.S.

Who was John Fremont?

He led the Bear Flag Revolt and played a key role in California's conquest.

Who was Winfield Scott?

He led the amphibious assault on Veracruz and the final assault on Mexico City.