chapter 17 - manifest destiny

What event led to John Tyler becoming president?

The sudden death of William Henry Harrison after one month in office.

What was John Tyler's relationship with the Whig Party?

Tyler was not part of the Whig plan and was eventually kicked out of the party, becoming a president without a party.

What banking issue did the Whigs want to address during Tyler's presidency?

The Whigs wanted to end the independent treasury and create a new Bank of the United States, which Tyler vetoed.

What was the outcome of the tariff bill proposed by the Whigs?

Tyler vetoed the initial tariff bill but later signed a modified version after the offensive parts were removed.

What sparked the war of words between America and England?

American debtors' inability to pay British lenders after the Panic of 1837 and violent incidents like the attack on the U.S. ship Caroline.

What was the Aroostook War about?

A dispute over the Maine-Canada border, primarily between lumberjacks, which was settled by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

What did the Webster-Ashburton Treaty accomplish?

It settled the Maine-Canada border dispute and gave the U.S. the Mesabi iron ore range in Minnesota.

Why was Texas eager to join the U.S. after 1836?

Texas was concerned about forming alliances with foreign nations like Britain, which could undermine American interests.

What was the Northern concern regarding the annexation of Texas?

The North feared the expansion of the Southern 'slavocracy' and potential war with Mexico.

Who was James K. Polk and what was his stance on expansion?

Polk was a pro-expansion president whose victory in 1844 was seen as a mandate for manifest destiny.

What was the significance of the Oregon Trail in the 1840s?

Many Americans migrated westward due to 'Oregon fever,' increasing the population and urgency for a settlement over Oregon's ownership.

Which nations initially claimed Oregon territory?

Spain, Russia, England, and the U.S.

What was the basis of the U.S. claim to Oregon?

The exploration by Capt. Robert Gray and the Lewis and Clark expedition.

What nickname was James K. Polk known by and why?

'Young Hickory' due to his similar beliefs to Andrew Jackson and proximity to Jackson's birthplace.

What was the American perception of Texas aligning with England?

It was feared that it would undermine American cotton prices and the Monroe Doctrine.

What was a major consequence of Tyler's vetoes on banking and tariffs?

The Whigs became furious and ultimately expelled Tyler from the party.

What was the reaction of Southern Americans to the British granting asylum to slaves on the Creole?

Southern Americans were outraged by the British decision.

What was the outcome of the conflict regarding the U.S. ship Caroline?

The incident heightened tensions between the U.S. and Britain, leading to a war of words.

What did the Mesabi iron ore range contribute to?

It became a valuable resource for the American industrial revolution's need for iron ore.

Who defeated Henry Clay in the presidential election?

James K. Polk

What nickname was James K. Polk known by?

"Young Hickory"

What platform did Polk run on during his presidential campaign?

Manifest Destiny

What was Polk's perception of his victory in the election?

He saw it as a mandate for expansion.

What were the four main goals of Polk's presidency?

Lower the tariff, restore the independent treasury, resolve the Oregon border issue, and acquire California.

How much did Polk lower the tariff during his presidency?

From 32% to 25%.

What was the dispute over the Oregon border about?

Whether the border should be at 54°40' or 42° latitude.

What latitude did the U.S. and England ultimately agree on for the Oregon border?

49° latitude.

What was Polk's strategy for acquiring California?

Attempt to purchase it, and if that failed, use force.

What was the outcome of Polk's attempt to purchase California?

The offer of $25 million was rejected by Mexico.

What incident sparked the Mexican-American War?

A skirmish between U.S. troops and Mexican forces at the Rio Grande.

What was Abraham Lincoln's concern regarding the war?

He questioned the legitimacy of the land ownership where the skirmish occurred.

What were the three main phases of the Mexican-American War?

1. Acquisition of California, 2. Fighting in Texas, 3. Conquest of Mexico City.

Who led the American forces in the conquest of California?

Gen. Stephen W. Kearny and Cpt. John C. Fremont.

What was the 'Bear Flag Republic'?

A short-lived independent state proclaimed by American settlers in California.

Who was sent to secure a peace deal at the end of the war?

Diplomat Nicholas Trist.

What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

It ended the Mexican-American War and ceded California and other territories to the U.S.

What territories did the U.S. acquire through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

How much did the U.S. pay for the Mexican Cession lands?

$15 million.

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

A proposal to ban slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico.

What was the outcome of the Wilmot Proviso in Congress?

It passed in the House but failed in the Senate.

What was a significant consequence of the Mexican-American War?

It intensified the debate over slavery in the new territories.

How many American deaths occurred during the Mexican-American War?

Approximately 13,000, mostly from disease.

What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on U.S.-Latin relations?

It marked a turning point for the worse.

What was the significance of the Mexican-American War for future U.S. generals?

It served as practice for future Civil War leaders like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.