Manifest Destiny

William Becknell

An American explorer known for opening the Santa Fe Trail in 1821

Santa Fe Trail

A trade route established in the early 19th century connecting Missouri to Santa Fe

Mountain Men

Fur trappers and explorers who ventured into the Rocky Mountains during the 19th century. Pioneered many routes into the western territories

Jedediah Smith

An early American explorer and fur trapper known for his extensive travels across the western United States. Smith's explorations opened new trails and provided vital information about the geography and resources of the West.

John Jacob Astor

A wealthy businessman who founded the American Fur Company and established the first American trading post on the Pacific Coast. He played a key role in the fur trade

Mormons – Brigham Young

A religious group led by Brigham Young that migrated westward to escape persecution

Oregon Trail

A major route for westward migration from Missouri to the Oregon Territory

54-40 or Fight

A slogan used during the 1844 presidential campaign advocating for U.S. control over the entire Oregon Territory up to latitude 54°40′. Heightened tensions between the U.S. and Britain

49th Parallel

The line of latitude that became the boundary between the U.S. and Canada after the Oregon Treaty of 1846. Settled a key territorial dispute and solidified the U.S.'s northern border

Election of 1844

A presidential election characterized by the debate over the annexation of Texas and westward expansion. Led to the election of James K. Polk

Election of 1848

A presidential election marked by issues surrounding the Mexican-American War and the status of territories gained. Resulted in the rise of the Free Soil Party and increased tensions over slavery in newly acquired territories.

John Tyler

The 10th President of the United States

James K. Polk

The 11th President of the United States who strongly advocated for expansion and led the nation during the Mexican-American War. Oversaw significant territorial gains for the U.S. and reinforced the idea of Manifest Destiny.

Zachary Taylor

A military leader during the Mexican-American War who later became the 12th President of the United States. His military successes increased his popularity and ultimately led to his election

Stephen Austin – settling Texas

issues

Santa Anna

The Mexican general and president during the Texas Revolution known for his dictatorship and military leadership. His defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto led to Texas gaining independence and highlighted the challenges of governing a diverse territory.

Gone to Texas

A phrase popularized among settlers

Texas Revolution – causes

effects

Goliad

A site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution and a location where many Texan prisoners were executed. The Goliad Massacre galvanized support for Texan independence and fueled anti-Mexican sentiment among settlers.

San Jacinto

The decisive battle of the Texas Revolution where Texan forces defeated Santa Anna's army in 1836. Secured Texan independence and solidified Sam Houston's reputation as a military leader.

Alamo

A former Spanish mission in San Antonio that became a pivotal battle site during the Texas Revolution. The fall of the Alamo became a rallying cry for Texan independence

Lone Star Republic

The name of Texas as an independent republic from 1836 to 1845 before its annexation by the United States. Its existence sparked debates over slavery and manifest destiny

Sam Houston

A key military leader and politician in the Texas Revolution

Annexation of Texas – issues

method

gag rule

A rule adopted by Congress in the 1830s that prohibited the discussion of slavery-related petitions. This rule intensified divisiveness over slavery and heightened tensions between the North and South.

Conscience Whigs

A faction of the Whig Party that opposed the Mexican War on moral grounds related to slavery. Their opposition influenced the political landscape

Mexican War – causes

A conflict between the U.S. and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 driven by territorial disputes and the annexation of Texas. Resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Mexican War – campaigns & personalities

A series of military engagements during the war

John Slidell

A diplomat sent by President Polk to negotiate the purchase of California and New Mexico before the Mexican War. His mission failed

Opposition to Mexican War

The movement against the war

Bear Flag Revolt

A rebellion in 1846 by American settlers in California against Mexican rule

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848

Mexican Cession

The land ceded to the United States by Mexico following the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. This acquisition intensified debates over slavery in new territories

James G. Birney

An abolitionist and politician who sought to end slavery and was a candidate for the presidency under the Liberty Party. His political activism highlighted the moral issues surrounding slavery and influenced the emerging anti-slavery movement.

John C. Fremont

An explorer and military officer who became a key figure in the westward expansion

Stephen Kearny

A U.S. Army officer who played a key role in the American victory in the Mexican-American War

Winfield Scott

A major general in the Mexican-American War

John L. O’Sullivan

A journalist who coined the term Manifest Destiny and advocated for the U.S. expansion across North America. His writings popularized the belief in U.S. territorial expansion and justified actions taken during this era.

Gadsden Purchase

A 1854 agreement in which the U.S. acquired land from Mexico (present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico). Facilitated the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and was a final piece of territorial expansion after the Mexican War.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

An 1842 treaty that resolved border issues between the U.S. and Britain

Slidell’s Mission to Mexico

A diplomatic mission led by John Slidell to negotiate the purchase of California and New Mexico

Gold Rush

A mass migration of people to California in 1849 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill

49ers

The term used for the thousands of people who migrated to California in 1849 during the Gold Rush. Their influx transformed California socially and economically