Manifest Destiny/Civil war: after the American Revolution

What is Manifest destiny?

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It fueled westward expansion, leading to the acquisition of new territories and the displacement of Native American populations.

What was the compromise of 1850?

The Compromise of 1850 was a set of laws meant to ease tensions between free and slave states after the Mexican–American War. It admitted California as a free state, strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act, and allowed popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico. The compromise temporarily reduced sectional conflict but deepened divisions over slavery.

What is slavery?

Slavery is a system in which people are treated as property and forced to work without pay or basic rights, often under harsh conditions. In the context of U.S. history, it primarily involved the forced labor of African people, particularly in the South, and was a deeply entrenched institution that contributed to economic and social inequalities until it was abolished in 1865 by the 13th Amendment.

Who were the 3 main groups of people during this time period? Where are they?

• Free white men and women: live everywhere

• Free blacks: live north

• Enslaved blacks: live south

What does “Acquire” mean?

to gain something new

Why are the blacks free in the north but not in the south?

Because there wasn’t that much good farmland so slaves were less profitable and if they used them for other jobs white people wouldn’t be able to get any jobs. In the south however since they was a lot of farmland, thus hard labor, slavery was prevalent. 

What are the differences between the North and south?

North: Free blacks, factories, counts free blacks as part of the population but they still had little rights

South: Slavery exists and supports their economy of agriculture. They only counted free white men and women as part of the population

What are state representatives and what do they have to do with power/population?

State representatives are elected officials who serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The number of representatives each state gets is based on its population — more people = more representatives. This gives more populous states more power in Congress. During the Manifest Destiny/slavery era, this mattered because states wanted more representatives to influence national decisions, especially over slavery.

During this time period the U.S was divided between ____ states and ____ states.

Free, slave

Both the free and slave states want ______.

More power in the government

The free states were in the ___. The slave states were in the ____..

North, south

The free blacks were in the ____. The enslaved blacks were in the ____.

North, south.

Which 13 colonies were slave states and free states?

Slave States (Southern Colonies):

1. Virginia

2. Maryland

3. South Carolina

4. Georgia

Free States (Northern Colonies):

1. Massachusetts

2. New Hampshire

3. Connecticut

4. Rhode Island

5. New York

6. Pennsylvania

What was the 3/5 compromise?

States can count three fifths  of the enslaved people as their population in order to get more representation in congress. mainly benefited the southern states with the most slaves

The ____ and _____ __ ______ are two chambers in the legislative branch of congress that work together to make laws/decisions that effect the whole country.

Senate, House of representatives

The 3/5ths compromise most benefited the ____.

south

What are the differences between the Senate and the house of representatives in Congress?

Senate

• Number of Members: 2 per state

• Main Role: Approve treaties, confirm presidential appointments, act as a jury in impeachment trials.

• Leadership: Vice President is the President of the Senate, but the majority leader has more power.

House of Representatives

• Number of Members: based on population of each state

• Main Role: Initiate revenue bills, impeach officials, represent districts.

• Leadership: Speaker of the House is the most powerful.

Each state gets ____ senators

2

The ____ is a fair way to represent ALL states regardless of population

Senate

The ____ is a fair way to represent ALL states based on their population

house of representatives

in 1789 (late 18th century) the ____ states had the most power in congress

slave

In 1800 the _____ states had the most power in congress

slave

In 1821 (early 18th century) the ____ states had the most power in congress

No state had the most power, the power was balanced between 12 slave states and 12 free states

Which direction is west?

Left

Which direction is right on a compass?

East

If you're going down on a map you are going ____

South

Which direction is up/forward on a map?

North

During this era the United State started expanding ______

westward

John Adams was president from ____ to ____ and was an anti Federalist or Federalist?

1797-1801, was an avid federalist 

Thomas Jefferson was president from ____ to ___ and was an anti Federalist or Federalist?

1801 - 1809

So of anti-federalist, he limited many federal powers, but was more known as a Democratic-Republican: a party that opposed the federalist during this time

Why did the United States have various conflicts/issues with the French?

The U.S. had conflict with France primarily due to the XYZ Affair (1797), where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to an undeclared naval war. France was also angry when the U.S. chose neutrality during the French Revolutionary Wars, refusing to honor its Treaty of Alliance. Tensions continued into the early 1800s, contributing to disruptions in trade and helping spark the War of 1812. These conflicts were fueled by France's expectations of U.S. support and the U.S.'s desire to avoid involvement in European wars.

What was the XYZ affair?

The XYZ Affair (1797) was a diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France. American diplomats were sent to France to address French interference with U.S. shipping. However, French officials, known only as "X," "Y," and "Z," demanded bribes and loans before any negotiations could begin. The U.S. refused, which led to public outrage and the start of an undeclared naval conflict, the Quasi-War, between the two countries.

During John Addams presidency he wanted to strengthen ______

The navy

Who was the first president?

George washington 

Who was the second president?

John addams

Who was the third president?

Thomas Jefferson

Who was the fourth president?

James Madison

Alien and Sedition 

The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 were laws passed by Federalists that extended the time to become a citizen, allowed the deportation of foreigners, and criminalized criticism of the government. They were widely seen as unconstitutional, leading to strong opposition from Democratic-Republicans and contributing to Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800.

Thomas Presidency was from…

1801 to 1809, basically the early 1800s

What did Thomas Jefferson do during his presidency?

• Reduces  the size of the government

• Limits Federal Power

• Reduces Military

• Changes Federal Laws (Alien and sedition act)

What were the main benefits of the Louisiana purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, providing vast new land for expansion. It secured control of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, crucial for trade. It was purchased at an extreme discount due to the struggles France was having at the time. It also eliminated French presence in North America, strengthening U.S. security.

How much did the Louisiana purchase cost?

Around $15 million or roughly 4 cents per acre.

Why was the Mississippi River and New Orleans so important?

The Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans were essential for trade and transportation in the early United States. Farmers and merchants in the western territories relied on the river to ship their goods to markets along the East Coast and overseas. New Orleans was the main port where these goods were stored and exported. Control of the river and port ensured economic growth and independence for the young nation.

Why did the United States want Louisiana?

The United States wanted Louisiana because it offered vast land for westward expansion and control of key trade routes. New Orleans alone generated about $1 million a year in trade revenue, making it one of the most valuable ports in North America. Owning the territory meant securing the Mississippi River for U.S. commerce and preventing foreign powers from restricting access. It also supported Jefferson’s vision of a nation of independent farmers.

How much did Jefferson buy the Louisiana  territory for and how much did congress approve? Why were they mad at him for this?

Jefferson originally got Congress to approve $2 million to buy New Orleans and nearby land to secure trade on the Mississippi River. When France unexpectedly offered the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million, he agreed to the deal without waiting for new approval. Congress later approved the purchase, but some members were angry because Jefferson had gone beyond his constitutional authority and the original spending limit.

What does embargo mean?

Government order that restricts/prohibits trade with a particular country (or countries)

What was the war of 1812?

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that lasted from 1812 to 1815. It was caused by British restrictions on U.S. trade, the impressment (kidnapping) of American sailors, and British support for Native American attacks on U.S. settlers. The war ended in a draw with the Treaty of Ghent, but it boosted American nationalism and confirmed the U.S. as an independent nation.

What were Jefferson failures as a president?

• Conflict with native Americans (due to expansion westward)

• Embargo Act of 1808: trade embargo against France and Great britian which hurt the U.S economy and Americans did not approve of it in the first place.

• Increased Tensions with great Britain.

What did James Madison do as a president?

• Cause the 1st U.S war (war of 1812 with Great Britain)

• Started a military draft for that war

• Caused economic growth (many more factors were produced due to the war)

What were the causes of the War of 1812?

• British trade restrictions hurt American merchants and limited U.S. trade with France during the Napoleonic Wars.

• Impressment of American sailors—the British Navy captured U.S. sailors and forced them to serve on British ships.

• British support for Native Americans in resisting U.S. expansion on the western frontier.

What was the impressment? What does it mean?

Impressment means the British Navy forced American sailors to leave their ships and serve on British ships against their will. It was like kidnapping sailors to fill their crews during wartime. This practice angered the U.S. and was a major cause of the War of 1812.

Why did Great Britain soldiers impress U.S sailors?

Great Britain impressed U.S. sailors because they needed more crew members for their navy during the ongoing wars with France. They believed many American sailors were actually British deserters trying to avoid fighting, so they forcibly took sailors from U.S. ships to keep their navy strong. This caused major tensions since it violated U.S. sovereignty and angered Americans.

What were the effects of the war of 1812?

• Increased American nationalism and pride after standing up to Britain again.

• Confirmed U.S. independence and showed the country could defend itself.

• Weakened Native American resistance in the Northwest as British support ended.

• Boosted American manufacturing due to disrupted trade during the war.

• The war ended in a stalemate with the Treaty of Ghent (1815), which restored things to how they were before the war.

What was the Treaty of Ghent?

The Treaty of Ghent was the peace agreement that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Signed in 1814 (ratified in 1815), it restored all conquered territory back to the original owners and basically returned relations to how they were before the war—without addressing the main causes like impressment. It helped bring peace but didn’t solve all the issues that started the war.

What does suffrage mean?

The right to vote

President Andrew Jackson is the __ president

7th

What were some of President Jackson’s achievements?

• Expanding suffrage: elimantend property requirement for white men to vote

• Indian removal act:1830 Forced relocation of the Natives west

• Trail of tears: Cherokee forced to travel 1000 miles west, faced hunger, disease, 5,000+ died

What was the trail of tears?

The Trail of Tears was the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, primarily the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes, from their homelands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s. The journey was brutal, with people facing harsh weather, disease, and lack of food, causing thousands of deaths along the way. It became a symbol of the devastating impact of U.S. government policies on Native American communities.

What was the Indian removal act, led by President Jackson?

The Indian Removal Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1830, authorized the president to negotiate the forced relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river. Its goal was to open up Native lands for white settlement, particularly in the southeastern United States. This led to the forced migration known as the Trail of Tears, during which thousands of Native Americans suffered from disease, starvation, and death.

What were some of President Jackson’s failures?

• Spoils system: Gave government jobs to his political supporters, not based on skill

• Pro slavery: Supported the south and owned slaves causing increased tensions between north and south

What was the Worcester v. georgia case of 1832 and what led up to it?

The Worcester v. Georgia case (1832) was a Supreme Court decision in which the Court ruled that the state of Georgia had no authority to enforce its laws on Cherokee lands, recognizing the Cherokee Nation as a sovereign entity. The case arose after Georgia passed laws requiring non-Native Americans living on Cherokee land to obtain a state license, and Samuel Worcester, a missionary, refused to comply and was arrested. The Cherokee Nation challenged Georgia’s authority, arguing that only the federal government could deal with Native nations. Chief Justice John Marshall’s Court sided with the Cherokee, affirming that state laws could not interfere with tribal sovereignty. Despite the ruling, President Andrew Jackson and Georgia largely ignored the decision, eventually leading to the forced removal of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears.

What does annex mean?

take control of or add a territory or land to a country, state, or larger entity. In history and politics, it often refers to one country formally adding another area to its own borders.

What does cede mean?

to give up

What are “tejanos”?

The Mexicans living in the land of Texas 

What was the Missouri compromise of 1820?

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was an agreement to maintain the balance between free and slave states in the U.S. by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30′ latitude line, except for Missouri. This compromise temporarily eased tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery.

Who controlled Mexico in the early 1800s?

Spain controlled Mexico in the early 1800s.

How did Mexico become independent and why was the new country vulnerable?

Mexico became independent after revolting against Spain, and the new country was vulnerable because it had little money and a weak army.

Was slavery legal or illegal in Mexico?

Slavery was illegal in Mexico.

Why did Mexico rent out Texas to the U.S in 1821?

Mexico rented out Texas because Mexico needed money and wanted settlers to help develop the land.

What illegal practice did American settlers in Texas carry out?

American settlers practiced slavery illegally in Texas, despite it being banned by Mexico.

Why did Tejanos rebel against Mexico?

Tejanos rebelled because they were making money from slavery and disagreed with Mexico’s laws banning it.

When was Texas annexed by the United States?

Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845.

What disagreement contributed to the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. and Mexico disagreed on the border of Texas, and the U.S. attempted to acquire more land from Mexico.

When did the Mexican-American War take place?

The Mexican-American War took place from 1846 to 1848. (mid 1800s/ mid 19th century)

What was the result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Mexico ceded large amounts of land to the United States as part of the treaty.

What role did Manifest Destiny play in U.S.-Mexico relations?

Manifest Destiny encouraged the U.S. to expand westward, contributing to tensions with Mexico over land like Texas and California.

what was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, officially ended the Mexican-American War. Under the treaty, Mexico ceded a large portion of its northern territory to the United States. In return, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and promised to respect the rights of Mexican citizens living in the ceded lands.

What does “cession” mean?

To formally give up territory

James Polk was the ____ president of the United stated

7th

When was the Mexican American war?

1846 - 1848, during president James Polk’s presidency.

What did the United States gain as a result of the Mexican Cession (1848)?

The U.S. gained present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.

What did President James K. Polk achieve that fulfilled the idea of Manifest Destiny?

Polk expanded U.S. territory to the Pacific Ocean through the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Territory agreement, and the Mexican Cession, fulfilling the goal of Manifest Destiny.

What was a major consequence of the U.S. gaining new territories under Polk?

The expansion led to heated debates over whether slavery should spread into the new territories.

How did new U.S. territories gained after the Mexican-American War affect the relationship between the North and South?

They increased tension between the North and South over the issue of slavery’s expansion into western lands.

What was the Wilmot Proviso (1846)?

It was a proposed law that would have banned slavery in any territory acquired from the Mexican-American War; it passed in the House but failed in the Senate.

Why is the Wilmot Proviso (1846) historically significant even though it never became law?

It highlighted the growing sectional conflict over slavery, showing how the North and South were sharply divided over whether slavery should expand into new territories from the Mexican-American War. It helped set the stage for future disputes that eventually led to the Civil War.

What was the Oregon Treaty of 1846?

The Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved the dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the Oregon Territory. It peacefully established the boundary between U.S. and British territories in the Pacific Northwest. This treaty also led to increased migration westward as settlers were now more confident about moving to the newly established U.S. territory.

When was the Oregon Treaty signed?

The Oregon Treaty was signed in 1846.

What caused the dispute between the U.S. and Great Britain over the Oregon Territory?

The dispute stemmed from competing territorial claims over the Oregon Territory. Both the U.S. and Great Britain wanted control over the land due to its potential for settlement and resources. The disagreement was finally resolved peacefully through the Oregon Treaty of 1846.

What was the effect of the Oregon Treaty on westward migration?

The Oregon Treaty established a clear boundary between U.S. and British territories. This led to increased migration to the Pacific Northwest, as settlers were more certain of their rights to the land. The treaty also helped promote the idea of Manifest Destiny, encouraging Americans to expand westward.

When did the California Gold Rush take place?

The California Gold Rush occurred from 1848 to 1855.

What was the significance of the California Gold Rush?

The California Gold Rush was triggered by the discovery of gold in California in 1848. It resulted in the migration of approximately 300,000 people, both Americans and immigrants, to California. This rapid influx of settlers led to California becoming a state in 1850 and caused significant population and economic growth.

How did the California Gold Rush affect California's population and economy?

The California Gold Rush caused a dramatic increase in population, with tens of thousands of people rushing to California in search of gold. This population boom led to the rapid development of towns and cities, significantly boosting California’s economy. By 1850, California was admitted as a state due to its large and growing population.

What was the Homestead Act of 1862?

The Homestead Act of 1862 granted 160 acres of land to settlers who agreed to live on and cultivate the land for five years. This act was designed to encourage westward expansion and agricultural development in the United States. It helped populate the western frontier, leading to the establishment of new communities and states.

What were the causes and effects of the Homestead Act of 1862?

The cause of the Homestead Act was the desire to promote westward expansion and support agricultural development. The effect was that many settlers moved westward, leading to the creation of new states and communities. The act also contributed to the growth of agriculture in the West, although it had mixed results due to harsh conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes.

When was the Homestead Act passed?

The Homestead Act was passed in 1862.

How did the Homestead Act of 1862 impact the settlement of the American West?

The Homestead Act significantly contributed to the settlement of the American West by providing land to anyone willing to work it. This led to the establishment of farming communities and towns across the western United States. The act, however, also led to conflicts with Native Americans and environmental challenges for settlers.

What role did Manifest Destiny play in U.S. expansion during the 1800s?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across the North American continent. This ideology justified the westward expansion of the U.S., including the acquisition of new territories through treaties, wars, and settler migration. Manifest Destiny played a key role in the annexation of territories like Oregon and California.

What were the effects of the California Gold Rush on California?

The California Gold Rush resulted in a massive influx of people to California, drastically increasing its population. This led to rapid economic growth, urbanization, and the establishment of new towns. California’s population growth and economic importance played a significant role in it becoming a state in 1850.

Who was Nat Turner and what did he do in 1831?

Nat Turner was an enslaved man who led a violent rebellion against white slaveholders. His revolt became the largest slave uprising in U.S. history. It deeply increased fear among white southerners and led to harsher laws against enslaved people.