Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny (1844-1877)

Westward Expansion

  • Westward expansion was a major impulse in the 18th and 19th centuries.
    • Initially, expansion occurred west of the Atlantic Coast.
    • Later, it extended into the Ohio River Valley.
    • The Louisiana Purchase led to further westward expansion.

Manifest Destiny

  • In July 1845, John O’Sullivan coined the term "Manifest Destiny."
  • Definition:
    • The belief that Americans had a God-given right to possess the entire continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
  • O’Sullivan's rationale:
    • To possess the whole continent.
    • Given by Providence (God).
    • For the development of liberty and self-government.
  • This idea reflected existing American sentiments.

Reasons for Westward Expansion

  • Access to Mineral and Natural Resources:
    • Discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to the California Gold Rush.
    • Gold and silver discoveries in Colorado, the Dakotas, and Nevada spurred further migrations.
  • Economic and Homesteading Opportunities:
    • The Preemption Acts of the 1830s and 1840s made land available cheaply.
    • Enabled people to buy land and establish homesteads.
    • Benefited the middle class.
  • Religious Refuge:
    • Mormons migrated to the Utah Territory to escape persecution due to their practice of polygamy.
    • Approximately 70,000 Mormons migrated over two decades.

Manifest Destiny in Politics: James K. Polk

  • James K. Polk, elected in 1844, was a strong believer in Manifest Destiny.
  • Polk aimed to annex Texas and Oregon.

Texas

  • American settlers in Texas by the 1820s.
  • By 1830, Americans outnumbered Mexicans.
  • The majority of Americans were Southern, Protestant, and pro-slavery.
  • Mexican Requirements (1829):
    • Conversion to Roman Catholicism.
    • Outlawing slavery.
    • These requirements were largely ignored by American settlers.
  • Mexico shut the border to further immigration.
  • 1834: Change in Mexican government, leading to stricter enforcement of laws.
  • Texan Revolt:
    • Texans revolted under Sam Houston in 1836 and declared independence.
  • Mexican Response:
    • Mexico sent forces to suppress the rebellion.
    • The Mexicans won the battle at the Alamo, killing all American defenders.
  • Texan Victory:
    • Houston's army captured a Mexican general at the Battle of San Jacinto.
    • The general was forced to sign a treaty granting Texas independence.
  • Mexican Government’s Response:
    • Mexico didn’t recognize the treaty, claiming the general's lack of authority.
  • Texas Independence:
    • Texas claimed independence, but Mexico did not recognize it.
  • Annexation Issues:
    • Presidents Jackson and Van Buren declined annexation to avoid war with Mexico.
    • John Tyler attempted annexation but was denied by the Senate.

Oregon Territory

  • Territory claimed by both British and Americans.

  • British Claim:

    • Based on the established fur trade and longer settlement history.

  • American Claim:

    • Based on desire and greater numbers of American missionaries and farmers settling there.

  • Resolution:

    • James K. Polk sought to annex both Oregon and Texas.
    • Polk considered his election a mandate to annex these territories.
    • John Tyler annexed Texas in his final months.
    • Oregon Territory was divided at the 49th parallel after Senate ratification.

  • The annexation of Texas led to war with Mexico.