Quick Review

Belief

A fundamental conviction that shapes individuals' or societies values and actions.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that it was America's divine right and destiny to expand westward across the continent.

Westward Expansion

The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West, which included migration patterns, geographic changes, and cultural exchanges.

Great American Desert

A term used in the 19th century to describe the arid area of the Great Plains, viewed as difficult for settlement.

Mountain Men

Trappers and explorers who ventured into the Rocky Mountains and played a crucial role in opening the West to settlement.

Far West

The westernmost U.S. regions beyond the Mississippi River, including areas like the Great Plains, Rockies, and Pacific Coast.

Overland Trails

Routes used by settlers traveling westward, including the Oregon Trail, that facilitated migration and settlement.

Mining Frontier

Areas where mineral resources, particularly gold and silver, were discovered, attracting thousands of prospectors and settlers.

Gold Rush

The rapid influx of thousands of settlers to California following the discovery of gold in 1848, significantly impacting the economy and population growth.

Silver Rush

The discovery of silver in places like Nevada, leading to a significant migration and mining boom.

Farming Frontier

The area of land cultivated for agriculture, representing the expansion of farming into new territories.

Urban Frontier

The development of urban areas as civilization expanded westward, leading to growth in cities that supported trade and settlement.

Expansion Politics

Strategies to increase a nation's territory and power, often through annexation or diplomacy.

John Tyler

The 10th President of the United States, known for his efforts to annex Texas.

Oregon Territory

Land claimed by both the United States and Britain, significant for westward expansion.

'Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!'

A slogan used by expansionists advocating for the U.S. claim to the entire Oregon Territory (up to latitude 54°40*).

James K. Polk

The 11th President of the United States, known for his aggressive expansionist policies.

Military and Diplomatic Expansion

Combines military force and diplomacy to achieve territorial or political goals.

Texas

A region that gained independence from Mexico and was later annexed by the U.S.

Stephen Austin

Known as the 'Father of Texas,' he led the first successful colonization of the region.

Antonio López de Santa Anna

A Mexican general known for his leadership during the Texas Revolution.

Sam Houston

A key figure in the Texas Revolution, he was the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Alamo

A pivotal battle site during the Texas Revolution where Texan forces were besieged by Santa Anna's troops.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

An 1842 agreement between the U.S. and Britain to settle border disputes.

Foreign Commerce

The exchange of goods and services between the U.S. and other nations.

Exports

Goods sent out of a country.

Imports

Goods brought into a country.

Matthew C. Perry

A U.S. naval officer whose expedition in 1853 opened Japan to foreign trade.

Kanagawa Treaty

An 1854 agreement that established trade relations between the U.S. and Japan.