WESTERN EXPANSION

Westward Expansion (1820-1850)

  • Key Regions: Focus on the Red River Basin, Oregon Territory, California, and Texas.

  • Treaties and Borders:

    • British Treaty of 1818 established borders with Canada.

    • Territories without definitive decisions on slavery: Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, and others.

  • Map Overview: Illustrates states, territories, and boundaries of the United States as of 1850.

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Manifest Destiny

  • Definition: The belief that Americans were destined to expand across North America. It was viewed as a divine right to spread democracy and civilization.

John L. O’Sullivan (1845)

  • Quote on Manifest Destiny: “...to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us... for the development of liberty and self-government.”

Key Figures in Westward Expansion

  • Stephen F. Austin: Known as the 'Father of Texas' for leading early colonization efforts.

  • Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna: Mexican general and president, key figure in the Texas Revolution.

Texas Revolution (1836)

  • Texas Declaration of Independence: Outlined grievances against the Mexican government, comparison to military despotism.

    • Indicated changes from a democratic republic to a centralized governance.

Significant Events and Locations in the Texas Revolution

  • Key Battles: Includes notable battles such as the Alamo and San Jacinto.

  • Henry B. Travis's Letter:

    • Summary: Appeal for reinforcements during the siege at the Alamo, emphasizing honor and defense of liberty.

Tejanos in Texas History

  • Key Individuals:

    • Juan Seguin: Captain in the Texas Army, played an important role in the fight for independence.

    • Jose Antonio Navarro: Tejano leader and signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

  • Key Causes: Disputes over Texas borders, territorial ambitions of the U.S.

  • Major Outcomes:

    • Mexican Cession: Land acquired from Mexico post-war, including California and parts of modern-day Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado.

    • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Ended the war, established the Rio Grande as Texas' border.

California Gold Rush (1849)

  • Impact: Massive influx of settlers seeking fortune led to the rapid growth of California.

  • Economic Changes: Creation of economic opportunities for merchants and varied populations in mining towns.

Compromise of 1850**

  • Critical Components:

    • California admitted as a free state.

    • Establishment of territories (New Mexico and Utah) without explicit mention of slavery.

    • Abolition of slave trade in the District of Columbia.

    • Enactment of a tougher Fugitive Slave Law.

Summary of Expansion**

  • Cultural and Political Shifts: Affected borders, influenced demographics, and intensified debates over slavery in newly acquired territories and states.