Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

Tyler:The President Without a Party

• His own party hates him

• the Democrats hate John Tyler - hated by both parties

• aggressive and a supporter of slavery

Webster-Ashburton Treaty: Roots of Expansion

• the U.S. shifts its focus away from Canada

• the U.S. is willing to negotiate or compromise with Great Britain

• Showed how land hungry the Americans were

Growth of the West

• Westward Expansion happens rapidly

• The West becomes increasingly politically important

• Manifest Destiny → It was America’s God given right and obligation to expand over the whole continent

• the government encouraged this

Motivations for Expansion

• Biggest one is Manifest Destiny

• Trade

• Land

• the Pacific

• Individual Opportunity - Religious Freedom (Mormons)

Native Americans and Expansion

• Expansion causes conflict with Native Americans

Routes West

• Major destinations

  • Santa Fe, California, Utah, Oregon, Texas

  • we don’t own any of these, not in the U.S.

• Major trails

  • santa fe trail, Oregon trail, california trail, Mormon migration

Missions in Mexico

• Mexico struggled to control its frontier

Texan Independence

• Americans vastly outnumbered Mexicans settling in Texas

• Americans had brought slavery with them to Texas

• The U.S. wants Texas but Mexico is unwilling to sell it

Americans in Texas

• Americans must learn Spanish

• Supposed to convert to Catholicism

• Mexico outlaws slavery in 1829

• Americans don’t follow laws and rebel

Jackson says no to Texas annexation

• Doesn’t want to provoke a war

• Doesn’t want to bring up the issue of slavery

Independent Texas

• Texas wants to join the Union but can’t, every president says no

• Tyler makes Texas his biggest priority

• Texas develops a relationship with Great Britain, which angers the South

Election of 1844

• Calhoun blocks Van Buren’s nomination

• Polk wins by a landslide

• the only reason Polk wins is New York

• The election leads to the annexation of Texas

Polk as President

• he is uncommonly successful as president

• wants to gain California

• the first thing Polk does divide Oregon

Mexican-American War

• Polk wants to buy California, but Mexico does not want to talk to him

• Polk wants a war, but wants Mexico to start it

Election of 1844

• A U.S. presidential election where James K. Polk defeated Whig candidate Henry Clay.

• Polk's victory led to the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon, significantly expanding U.S. territory.

James K. Polk

• Democratic nominee who won the 1844 election, becoming the 11th U.S. president.

• Advocated for the annexation of Texas and the reoccupation of Oregon, leading to significant territorial expansion.

Zachary Taylor

• Advocated for the annexation of Texas and the reoccupation of Oregon, leading to significant territorial expansion.

• His military successes, including victories at Palo Alto and Buena Vista, boosted his popularity and led to his election as the 12th U.S. president in 1848.

John Slidell

• Diplomat sent by President Polk to negotiate with Mexico over Texas and California.

• His mission was rejected by Mexico, contributing to the tensions that led to the Mexican-American War.

Winfield Scott

• Whig general who led U.S. forces in the Mexican-American War.

• His successful campaigns, including the capture of Mexico City, earned him national acclaim and later the Whig presidential nomination in 1852.

Nicholas Trist

• Chief Clerk of the U.S. State Department during Polk's presidency.

• Despite being recalled, he negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War and significantly expanding U.S. territory.

How did James Polk win the Democratic nomination for president? What were Polk’s main political policies?

• He was a “dark horse” candidate (not well known but acceptable to all sides).

• He supported expansion, especially adding Texas and Oregon.

• He got support when other top candidates, like Martin Van Buren, lost backing.

• Annex Texas and expand U.S. territory.

• Claim all of Oregon ("Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!").

• Lower tariffs (taxes on imports).

• Create an independent treasury (government bank system).

Why did Clay lose the Election of 1844?

• He tried to stay neutral on Texas annexation, which upset voters on both sides.

• Polk’s clear support for westward expansion won more support.

• The Liberty Party took votes from Clay in the North.

How did Polk end the joint-occupation of Oregon?

• He negotiated with Britain and agreed to divide Oregon at the 49th parallel.

• This avoided war with Britain and gave the U.S. part of the land peacefully.

How did Polk provoke a war with Mexico?

• He sent U.S. troops into disputed territory between the Rio Grande and Nueces River.

• When Mexico attacked, he claimed “American blood was shed on American soil.”

Why did Polk want a “small war”? What was he concerned about?

• He wanted a quick and easy victory to get land (like California).

• He was worried that a long war would cause political problems and increase tensions over slavery.

What was Polk’s three part plan for the war?

• Secure the border in Texas (defeat Mexican troops there).

• Capture New Mexico and California.

• Take Mexico City to force peace.

What obstacles did Scott face in negotiating an end to the war?

• Mexican government was unstable and kept changing leaders.

• Some Americans wanted more land than Polk originally planned.

• Many in Mexico refused to accept defeat.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo?

• Mexico gave up California and New Mexico (the Mexican Cession).

• U.S. paid $15 million to Mexico.

• The Rio Grande became the border between Texas and Mexico.

Why was there public pressure to end the war?

• People were tired of fighting and losing lives.

• Some thought the war was just to expand slavery.

• Others feared it would cause more problems between North and South.

James W. Marshall

• Discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in California on January 24, 1848.

•  His discovery sparked the California Gold Rush, leading to rapid population growth and economic development in the region.

Wilmot Proviso

• A proposal by Congressman David Wilmot in 1846 to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico.

• Although it failed to pass, it intensified national debates over slavery and contributed to the formation of anti-slavery political movements.

Lewis Cass

• Democratic senator and presidential candidate in 1848.

• Advocated for "popular sovereignty," allowing territories to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery.

“Popular Sovereignty”

• The idea that the residents of a territory should decide the issue of slavery themselves.

•  Implemented in the Compromise of 1850, it led to conflicts like "Bleeding Kansas" as pro- and anti-slavery forces clashed.

Election of 1848

• Presidential election where Zachary Taylor (Whig) won against Lewis Cass (Democrat) and Martin Van Buren (Free Soil).

• Highlighted divisions over slavery and led to the emergence of the Free Soil Party, advocating for free territories.

Barburners

• A faction of anti-slavery Democrats in New York.

• Their opposition to the expansion of slavery contributed to the formation of the Free Soil Party.​

Free-Soil Party

• Political party formed in 1848, advocating for free territories and opposing the expansion of slavery.

• Merged into the Republican Party in 1854, influencing the anti-slavery platform

Compromise of 1850

• Series of laws aimed at resolving slavery issues after the Mexican-American War.

• Admitted California as a free state, allowed territories to decide on slavery, and enacted a stricter Fugitive Slave Law, temporarily easing tensions but sowing seeds for future conflict.

Stephen Douglas

• Democratic senator from Illinois.

• Played a key role in passing the Compromise of 1850 and later introduced the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which led to violent conflicts over slavery in those territories.​

How did the end of the war bring up the issue of slavery?

• The U.S. gained a lot of new land (Mexican Cession).

• People argued over whether slavery should be allowed in these new territories.

What argument did Calhoun make about slavery in the territories? What demand did he make of Congress?

• Calhoun said slaves were property, and people had the right to bring property anywhere.

• He demanded that Congress protect slavery in all new territories.

How was the standoff in Congress solved?

• The Compromise of 1850 was created to ease tensions.

• It balanced interests of free and slave states.

How did Zachary Taylor run his presidential campaign?

• He ran as a war hero, not focusing on politics or party issues.

• He avoided taking a strong stance on slavery.

How did slavery split the Democratic Party?

• Northern Democrats didn’t want slavery to expand.

• Southern Democrats wanted slavery protected everywhere.

• This caused division and weakened the party.

What problems did the Gold Rush in California create? How did Taylor propose to solve the issue of California statehood?

• Thousands moved to California fast, needing a new government.

• California wanted to be a free state, which upset the South.

• Taylor said let California become a state right away and let them choose (they chose free).

How was the Compromise passed? What did this demonstrate about the terms?

• It was passed in parts, not all at once, to get more support

• This showed that people disagreed on most of it, but small deals were easier to accept.

What were the terms of the Compromise of 1850?

1. California became a free state.

2. New Mexico and Utah could vote on slavery (popular sovereignty).

3. Slave trade banned in Washington, D.C.

4. Stricter Fugitive Slave Law passed.

5. Texas got money to give up land claims.

Preemption Act of 1841

• Allowed settlers to buy public land they had settled on at a discounted price.

• Made land more accessible, promoting westward expansion and settlement.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty 

• A 1842 agreement between the U.S. and Britain that resolved border disputes, particularly in Maine and the Great Lakes.

• Improved U.S.-British relations and peacefully settled territorial conflicts.

Stephen F. Austin

• Known as the "Father of Texas," he was an American empresario who helped establish the first successful colony in Texas.

• Played a key role in the settlement of Texas and its eventual push for independence from Mexico.

The Alamo

• A historic mission in San Antonio, Texas, where a pivotal battle took place in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.

• Became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, inspiring Texans to fight for independence from Mexico.

Sam Houston

• A military leader and politician who played a key role in Texas' fight for independence.

• Led the Texan army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas' independence from Mexico. Later became the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Abel Upsher

• U.S. Secretary of State under President John Tyler from 1841 to 1844.

• Played a key role in promoting the annexation of Texas and in negotiating foreign policy, particularly with Britain.

What problems did John Tyler face as president? How did he become the president without a party?

1. Faced opposition from Whigs despite being one.

2. Struggled with lack of party support after taking office.

3. Alienated key political figures.

4. Experienced tensions over issues like the National Bank.

5. He became president after William Henry Harrison died in office.

6. Tyler was Harrison’s vice president and assumed office by constitutional succession.

7. Was a former Democrat who disagreed with Whig policies.

How did Webster solve the dispute between the United States and Great Britain?

1. Negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842).

2. Resolved border disputes in Maine and the Great Lakes.

3. Improved relations between the U.S. and Britain.

What was the relationship between the issues of Texas and slavery? 

1. Texas was a slave state and sought to join the Union to protect and expand slavery.

2. Southern states supported Texas annexation to maintain slavery's strength.

Summarize the factors leading to Texan independence.

1. Discontent with Mexican rule, particularly over cultural and political differences.

2. Mexican government’s centralization of power.

3. The desire for self-rule and protection of slavery.

4. Key battles like the Alamo and San Jacinto.

Why did Jackson and Van Buren reject the annexation of Texas?

1. Concerned it would lead to war with Mexico.

2. Fear of inflaming tensions over slavery in the U.S.

3. Political opposition from Northern states.

What was the relationship between Great Britain and Texas?

1. Britain had trade relations with Texas.

2. Britain supported Texas independence to maintain influence in North America.

3. Wanted to prevent U.S. expansion and the spread of slavery.

How did John C. Calhoun become Tyler’s Secretary of State? Why was this a mistake?

1. Calhoun was appointed to align with pro-Southern interests.

2. It was a mistake due to his divisive views on slavery and his failure to gain broader support.

3. His policies worsened tensions with the Whigs and Northern states.

Manifest Destiny

• The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

• Drove westward expansion, influencing policies like the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail, and the Mexican-American War.

“Oregon Fever”

• The mass migration of settlers to the Oregon Territory in the 1840s, driven by the belief in fertile land and opportunity.

• Led to significant westward migration, contributing to the U.S. claim to the Oregon Territory and helping to fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny.

The Oregon Trail

• A 2,000-mile route taken by pioneers from Missouri to the Oregon Territory in the mid-1800s.

• Facilitated westward expansion, leading to the settlement of the Pacific Northwest and fulfilling the idea of Manifest Destiny.

San Francisco

• A city in California, known for its role during the California Gold Rush starting in 1848.

• Became a major hub for trade and settlement, significantly boosting California's economy and leading to its rapid statehood.

How had American attitudes towards westward expansion changed during the 1800s?

1. Early on, many Americans were cautious and focused on settling the land they already had.

2. By the mid-1800s, the idea of Manifest Destiny took hold, making westward expansion seem like a mission to spread democracy and civilization.

3. There was growing belief that the U.S. was destined to expand from coast to coast.

Describe the conditions on the trail. What hardships did settlers face?

1. The trail was long (about 2,000 miles), with difficult terrain, especially mountains and rivers.

2. Settlers faced harsh weather, diseases like cholera, lack of food, and accidents.

3. There were dangers from wild animals and sometimes conflict with Native American groups.

What were the two major destinations for American settlers headed west? What factors drew them to each?

1. Oregon Territory:

   1. Drawn by fertile land for farming, particularly for crops like wheat.

   2. Promoted by "Oregon Fever" and the promise of a better life.

1. California:

   1. Drawn by the California Gold Rush (1848) and the potential for wealth.

   2. Also attracted by fertile land and the promise of prosperity.