manifest destiny

manifest destiny

A 19th-century belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

what was manifest destiny fueled by

Fueled by a sense of American exceptionalism, it justified territorial expansion.

manifest destiny led to

Led to the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail, and the Mexican-American War.

manifest destiny and slavery

Intensified debates over slavery in new territories.

Texas Revolution

A conflict between Mexico and Texas settlers over issues like governance and slavery.

What did the Texan Revolutionists want

Texans, led by figures like Sam Houston, sought independence from Mexico.

Key battles of the Texas Revolution

Battle of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto.

Texas Revolution resulted in

Resulted in the creation of the Republic of Texas, which later joined the U.S.

Mexican-American War

Fought between the U.S. and Mexico over territorial disputes, particularly Texas and the Mexican Cession.

When was the Mexican-American war

1846-1848.

Mexican-American war and the border

The war was sparked by the U.S. annexation of Texas and border disagreements.

Who won the Mexican-American war

The U.S. won, gaining large territories in the Southwest (California, Arizona, New Mexico).

What ended the war

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, solidifying the U.S.-Mexico border.

compromise of 1850

A series of laws aimed at resolving tensions between the North and South over slavery.

Key elements of the compromise of 1850

California admitted as a free state. New Mexico and Utah territories could decide slavery by popular sovereignty. Strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act. Abolished the slave trade in Washington, D.C. Attempted to balance pro- and anti-slavery interests, but tensions continued to rise.

politics of 1850

The U.S. was divided over slavery, with Northern abolitionists and Southern slaveholders.

Whig Party and its fall

The Whig Party struggled to maintain unity, leading to its eventual collapse.

Politics of 1850 democrats

The Democratic Party became more sectional, with Southern Democrats advocating for slavery.

politics of 1850 republicans

The emergence of the Republican Party, opposed to the expansion of slavery, became a significant political force.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act

Created two new territories (Kansas and Nebraska) and allowed settlers to decide on slavery (popular sovereignty).

Kansas-Nebraska act led to

Led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas, known as 'Bleeding Kansas.'

Kansas-Nebraska act and its aftermath

Violence highlighted the deep divisions over slavery and further weakened the political compromise of the 1850s.

election of 1860

A highly contentious presidential election primarily focused on slavery and its expansion into new territories.

Abraham Lincoln and the election of 1860

Abraham Lincoln, representing the anti-slavery Republican Party, won despite not appearing on Southern ballots. His election led Southern states to feel threatened by the Republican platform and heightened sectional tensions.

The result of Lincoln winning

Following Lincoln's election, Southern states began seceding from the Union, fearing the abolition of slaves.

first states to secede

South Carolina was the first to secede in December 1860, followed by 10 other Southern states.

what caused the civil war

These states formed the Confederacy, leading directly to the outbreak of the Civil War.