eisman manifest destiny

Caroline

1837 incident where British troops burned an American steamboat (Caroline) on U.S. soil. It caused tension between the U.S. and Britain.

Creole

1841 slave revolt on an American ship. The ship went to the British Bahamas, where Britain freed the slaves, angering the U.S.

Aroostook War

1838–1839 border dispute between U.S. (Maine) and Britain (Canada) over lumbering rights. No actual fighting. Settled by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

Manifest Destiny

Belief that the U.S. was destined to expand west to the Pacific Ocean. Justified land acquisitions and conflict.

“54-40 or fight!”

Slogan demanding U.S. claim all of Oregon Territory up to latitude 54°40′. The issue was peacefully settled at the 49th parallel.

Liberty Party

An antislavery political party formed in 1840. Ran candidates to end slavery through political means.

Spot Resolutions

Proposed by Abraham Lincoln, asking President Polk to show the exact spot where blood was shed to justify war with Mexico.

California Bear Flag Republic

1846 revolt where American settlers briefly declared California independent from Mexico before U.S. forces took control.

Battle of Buena Vista

1847 battle in the Mexican-American War. General Zachary Taylor defeated a larger Mexican force, boosting his fame.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

1848 treaty ending the Mexican-American War. Mexico gave the U.S. a large territory; U.S. paid $15 million.

Conscience Whigs

Northern Whigs who opposed slavery and the Mexican War. Later helped form the Republican Party.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposal to ban slavery in land gained from Mexico. Passed the House but failed in the Senate; worsened sectional tensions.