Westward Expansion + Manifest Destiny

Who was Steven F. Austin?

He was an educated man from Virginia who received a grant to bring 300 families into Texas where they would receive free land.

Why was Austin important for American settlement in Texas?

He was a charismatic and trusted leader, as well as educated, who was able to convince a lot of people to easily resettle in the colony and follow him while he ran the colony.

Who was John Jacob Astor?

A German American who made his fortune through fur trading and attempted to set up a permanent settlement in Oregon.

How did Astor contribute to westward expansion?

People involved in his fur company set up a settlement along the Columbia River which was a good stopping point for settlers and gave people a safer push towards expansion.

Who were the Whitmans?

They were a family sent to settle a Presbyterian mission in Oregon. 

Why did the Whitmans influence migration to Oregon?

The wife and wife of an accompanying family were the first white women to cross the Rockies, which promoted the idea of whole families being able to settle West.

Who was Pierre-Jean de Smet?

A Jesuit who traveled West and set up several Catholic missions in the Oregon area.

How did de Smet affect relationships between settlers and Native Americans?

It inspired more religious settlers and settlers in general to move west and push Catholic and other religions on Native Americans as well as force them out of their land.

What was Mormon Migration?

The Mormons were a religious group founded by Joseph Smith who were moving west to escape religious persecution.

Why did Mormons move West?

The Mormons moved West to escape religious persecution and follow their religious beliefs without restriction. 

What was a wagon train?

It was a group of wagons traveling together out west to provide a sense of community and safety among pioneers. 

Why was traveling in wagon trains both helpful and unhelpful?

Traveling in wagon trains allowed for extra safety measures and protection; although the health, happiness, and efficiency of the train could often be affected by just one person

Who was Santa Anna?

A Mexican general who began to take over and rule as a dictator. 

How did Santa Anna affect the Texas Revolution?

His dictatorial style caused people of Texas to rise up and fight back, promoting the independence of the area as its own country. 

Who was Sam Houston?

He was the leader of troops in the war for independence and got the treaty recognizing Texas’ independence signed by Santa Anna. 

Why was Houston’s strategy important?

He was relentless and used a quiet point to take advantage of Mexican forces and capture Santa Anna. 

What did the Gag Rule do in Congress?

It allowed representatives in Congress to refuse to discuss any more matters regarding slavery. 

Why was the Gag Rule controversial?

It seemed to be unconstitutional and a violation of free speech, even agreed upon by political figures like John Quincy Adams

Who was John Tyler?

He was the vice-president who was originally put on the ballot to attract votes but was promoted when president William Henry Harrison died. 

Why did Tyler conflict with his party?

He was not a supporter of Whig ideas while in office and the members of the party only chose him on the ballot because they figured he wouldn’t do much like most vice presidents. 

What does a “dark horse” refer to?

It refers to a political candidate who is mostly unknown and not typically thought of to be a candidate. 

Why might a political party choose a “dark horse”?

There wouldn’t be much of a reason to argue against them because they are meant to be an unknown candidate. 

Who was James K. Polk?

He was the Democratic political candidate whose main goals were to expand the US equally all at once. 

How did Polk’s policies promote expansion?

It was seen as something that might bring the nation together socially and politically while keeping balance in the government

Who were the Conscience Whigs?

They were a branch of the Whig Party that was antislavery. 

How did Conscience Whigs vary from other Whigs?

Other members of their party supported slavery and its economic practices. 

What did the Liberty Party stand for?

The Liberty Party wanted to abolish slavery. 

Why was the Liberty Party significant even though it was small?

It promoted the abolition of slavery and took Conscience Whig voters away from Henry Clay. 

What did “fifty-four forty or fight” refer to?

The latitude-longitude line of the northern border of the Oregon Territory. 

Why was the fifty-four forty line important to international relations?

It made relations tense but later caused Polk to revoke his promise in order to prevent fighting with Britain

Who was Zachary Taylor?

He was a General sent to fight at the disputed territorial lines on the Southern border. 

why was Taylor considered a National Hero?

He won many victories against the Mexicans which ultimately led to the end of the war and the gain of Western territory. 

Who was John C. Fremont?

He was a rich man who helped explore and set up livable areas in California. 

How did Fremont encourage Westward Expansion?

It made the West a more populated and livable area, which made it more enticing and safe for easterners. 

What does the “Bear Flag” refer to?

The short time that California ran as its own republic under Fremont. 

why was the “bear Flag” significant in California history?

It identifies its past separation from America and relevance as its own republic for the limited time it had

What was the treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo?

It was between Mexico and the United States and Mexico gave all its claims to Texas to the US. 

Why was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo a turning point for the US?

It widely expanded our access to the West and boosted territorial expansion in general. It also added a significant portion of land to the southern states, which affected the balance of pro- and anti-slavery states in the government.