Age of Expansion

Texas Revolution

• Sparked by disputes between Texas settlers and Mexican government.

• Key figures: Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston (Texas), Santa Anna, General Urrea (Mexico).

• Issues: Ban on slavery, religious and cultural differences.

Stephen F. Austin

• Son of Moses Austin.

• Led American settlers to Texas in the 1820s.

• Settlements along the Brazos River focused on farming.

1835

• Rising tensions as Mexico imposes stricter control, including banning slavery.

• Santa Anna consolidates power.

March 1836 – The Alamo

• 13-day siege by Santa Anna’s forces.

• Defenders include Tejanos, Juan Seguin, and the Cortez brothers.

• Became a rallying cry: "Remember the Alamo!"

April 1836 – Battle of San Jacinto

• Texas forces led by Sam Houston defeat Santa Anna in 18 minutes.

• Texas gains independence and becomes a republic for 9 years.

Mormon Migration

• Founded by Joseph Smith in the 1830s (Book of Mormon).

• Forced migration due to religious persecution.

• Brigham Young leads the group to Utah, establishing Salt Lake City in 1847.

James K. Polk and Manifest Destiny

• Advocate for U.S. expansion.

• Annexed Texas (1845).

• Negotiated for Oregon with the slogan “54°40' or Fight.”

• Manifest Destiny: Belief that God favored U.S. expansion and democracy.

War with Mexico (1846-1848)

• Border dispute: U.S. claimed Rio Grande, Mexico claimed Nueces River.

• U.S. forces under Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott.

• Three-pronged attack strategy: California, New Mexico, Mexico City.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

• Ended the Mexican-American War.

• U.S. acquired California, Arizona, New Mexico, and more.

• Mexico ceded territory for $15 million.

1840s – North Economy

• North: Industry, factories, coal, iron, government aid for westward expansion.

1840s- South Economy

• South: Agriculture, reliant on slavery.

Inventions of the Era

• Elias Howe: Sewing Machine.

• Charles Goodyear: Vulcanized Rubber.

• John Deere: Steel Plow and agriculture tools.