V. Expansionism and the Gadsden Purchase

Who was William Walker?

An American adventurer and expansionist who invaded Nicaragua, made himself president in 1856, and legalized slavery there. He received support from some Southern expansionists before being overthrown by Central American forces.

Why did Southern expansionists support William Walker?

They hoped to expand slavery into Central America and gain additional slave territory, which could restore Southern political influence.

Why was Cuba attractive to Southern expansionists?

Cuba had a large sugar economy based on slavery, and acquiring it could potentially create another slaveholding territory and restore the South's political balance in Congress.

Why did President Polk want to purchase Cuba?

He considered buying Cuba from Spain for $100 million because its sugar economy and potential slaveholding population could benefit Southern interests.

What was the Ostend Manifesto?

A secret 1854 diplomatic proposal suggesting that the United States should offer Spain $120 million for Cuba and potentially seize it by force if Spain refused.

Why did the North oppose the Ostend Manifesto?

Northerners believed acquiring Cuba would expand slavery and increase Southern political power, making it another attempt to extend slavery into new territory.

What did the controversy over Cuba reveal about slavery and expansionism?

Slavery increasingly limited American territorial expansion because Northern opposition made it politically dangerous to acquire territories that might become slaveholding.

What was the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty of 1850?

An agreement between the United States and Britain that neither country would obtain exclusive control over a proposed canal through Central America.

What was the Treaty of Wanghia?

The 1844 treaty between the United States and China that established formal trade and diplomatic relations and helped expand American commerce with China.

What was the Treaty of Kanagawa?

The 1854 agreement between the United States and Japan that opened relations, provided assistance to shipwrecked American sailors, and allowed American ships to obtain supplies such as coal.

Who was James Gadsden?

An American diplomat who negotiated the Gadsden Purchase with Mexico in 1853, acquiring land in present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico for the United States.

What was the Gadsden Purchase?

The 1853 purchase of a strip of land from Mexico for $10 million, intended to provide a suitable southern route for a transcontinental railroad.

Why did the North and South fight over the transcontinental railroad?

Whichever section received the railroad would gain population, wealth, political influence, and economic advantages. The debate became another sectional conflict over the future of western territories.

Why did Stephen Douglas support organizing Nebraska?

He wanted to encourage western development and connect Chicago to a transcontinental railroad, which would benefit Northern economic interests.