Unit 6 Expansionism & Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny

Belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent, used to justify westward expansion and conquest.

James K. Polk

11th U.S. president (1845–1849), strong believer in Manifest Destiny who oversaw the annexation of Texas, Oregon settlement, and the Mexican-American War.

“Fifty-four forty or fight!”

Slogan demanding U.S. control of the Oregon Territory up to latitude 54°40′.

Captain John Fremont and the “Bear Flag Revolt” 1846

California uprising against Mexican rule supported by U.S. forces.

The “Mexican Cession”

Land gained from Mexico in 1848, including California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several states.

California Gold Rush 1849 / 1848 Gold Rush

Mass migration to California after gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill.

“Forty-niners”

Gold seekers who arrived in California in 1849.

Chinese immigrants

Immigrants who came during the Gold Rush and faced discrimination.