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Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

William Becknell

An American merchant and explorer who was the first to travel the Santa Fe Trail.

Santa Fe Trail

A 19th-century transportation route connecting Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Mountain Men

Frontiersmen who explored and trapped in the Rocky Mountains during the early 1800s.

Jedediah Smith

A famous mountain man and explorer known for his expeditions in the West.

John Jacob Astor

An American fur trader and businessman who founded the American Fur Company.

Mormons

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by Brigham Young to Utah.

Oregon Trail

A 2,170-mile historic East-West wagon route that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon.

54-40 or Fight

A slogan used in the 1844 presidential campaign referring to the northern limit of the Oregon Territory.

49th parallel

The boundary line established by the Oregon Treaty in 1846 between the US and Britain.

Election of 1844

Presidential election where the main issues included expansionism, especially concerning Texas and Oregon.

Election of 1848

Presidential election marked by debates over the expansion of slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.

John Tyler

10th President of the United States, known for his support of westward expansion.

James K. Polk

11th President of the United States; known for his role in the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War.

Zachary Taylor

A General in the Mexican-American War and later the 12th President of the US.

Stephen Austin

A key figure in settling Texas; known as the 'Father of Texas'.

Santa Anna

The Mexican general whose forces were defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto, leading to Texas' independence.

‘Gone to Texas’

A phrase used to describe people who moved to Texas, especially during the Texas Revolution.

Texas Revolution

A rebellion of colonists from the United States and Tejanos against Mexican rule in Texas.

Goliad

An important battle and site during the Texas Revolution where many Texian prisoners were executed.

San Jacinto

The decisive battle of the Texas Revolution where Texian forces defeated Santa Anna.

Alamo

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

Lone Star Republic

The independent republic of Texas from 1836 to 1845 before it annexed to the United States.

Sam Houston

The commander of Texian forces during the Texas Revolution and first president of the Republic of Texas.

Annexation of Texas

The process by which Texas became a state of the United States, debated due to issues of slavery.

‘Gag Rule’

A rule passed by Congress that prevented discussion of anti-slavery petitions.

Conscience Whigs

A faction of the Whig Party who opposed the Mexican War on moral grounds.

Mexican War - causes

Causes included territorial disputes following Texas' annexation and America's desire for more land.

Mexican War - campaigns & personalities

Military campaigns characterized by key figures such as Taylor, Scott, and Kearny.

John Slidell

A diplomat sent by Polk to Mexico to negotiate the purchase of territories.

Opposition to Mexican War

A movement arising especially among abolitionists and some political groups criticizing the war.

Bear Flag Revolt

A revolt by American settlers in California against Mexican rule in 1846.

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, leading to significant land gains for the US.

Mexican Cession

The region of present-day California and New Mexico ceded to the US by Mexico in 1848.

James G. Birney

A prominent abolitionist and political figure opposed to the Mexican War.

John C. Fremont

An explorer and military officer instrumental in the Bear Flag Revolt.

Stephen Kearny

A US Army officer who led forces into California during the Mexican-American War.

Winfield Scott

Union general during the Mexican-American War known for his successful campaign to capture Mexico City.

John L. O’Sullivan

A journalist who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny' in support of westward expansion.

Gadsden Purchase

An 1853 agreement in which the United States acquired land from Mexico for $10 million.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

An 1842 treaty between the US and Britain that resolved border issues in North America.

Slidell’s Mission to Mexico

John Slidell's diplomatic mission to negotiate terms with Mexico, which failed and led to war.

Gold Rush

A mass migration to California following the discovery of gold in 1848.

49ers

The nickname for the thousands of people who flocked to California during the Gold Rush.