manifest destiny

Imagery of moving westward symbolizes the expansion into untamed territories of the United States.
Orientation of maps shows west is always to the left, enhancing the concept of moving West.
Technology discussed in the context of settler colonialism and white supremacy.
Historical implications of pushing westward until reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Term originated from John O'Sullivan, who advocated for American expansion across the continent.
He asserted that it was the right of Americans to "overspread and possess the whole continent" given by Providence for a purpose of development.

Reference to significant trails like the Oregon Trail.
Students’ familiarity with historical narratives of pioneers (i.e.; deaths due to disease, accidents like broken axles).
Overland Trails facilitated movement from the Midwest to states like Oregon and Utah, through dangerous conditions.

The belief that American democracy, capitalism, and technological advancements are superior.
This cultural belief justified expansion into new territories and disregarded the peoples inhabiting those lands.

Notable groups opposing Manifest Destiny include:
- Conscience Whigs: anti-slavery faction that feared an expansion of slave states.
- Abolitionists: who opposed any measures allowing the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Democratic Party: Emphasizes states' rights and territorial expansion, divided on slavery alignment.
- Prominent Democrats include Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and James K. Polk.
Whig Party: Split into factions, with Conscience Whigs (against slavery) and Cotton Whigs (supporting it).
Lazzie Faire Economics: Advocating minimal government intervention in business.

Historical context:
- Mexico gained independence from Spain, divided into territories to promote development by granting land to American settlers.
- Empresarios (American settlers) given land grants, such as Moses and Stephen Austin.
Settlers were expected to assimilate, adopting Catholicism and learning Spanish but largely resisted.
Tensions rise as Mexican military leader, Santa Ana, enforces laws, including the ban on slavery.
Important battles:
- The Alamo: pivotal event where Texan rebels fought against Mexican troops, leading to significant casualties and a rallying cry, "Remember the Alamo".
- Treaty of Velasco: Santa Ana's forced treaty acknowledgment of Texan independence not recognized in Mexico.

Post-revolution, calls for annexation of Texas faced opposition due to concerns of expanding slave states and immigration of Mexicans.
President James K. Polk favored annexation but faced political and ethical debates regarding slavery.

Prelude involved U.S. capturing territories under the guise of protecting American citizens.
Excuses for war include sending troops across borders disputed with Mexico.
After conflicts, U.S. gains the Mexican Cession, which includes present-day California and New Mexico.

Proposal by David Wilmot to prevent slavery in new territories led to increased tensions between North and South.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo confirmed U.S. claims over acquired territories.

Conversations on how best to integrate or fashion governance in these new territories led to the Compromise of 1850:
- Admitted California as a free state, allowed territorial choices through popular sovereignty for Utah and New Mexico.
- Strengthened Fugitive Slave Laws.

Discovery of gold in 1848 accelerated a population boom as individuals migrated for fortune, profoundly affecting demographics.
- San Francisco population grew from 200 in 1846 to 25,000 in a few years, vastly influencing its development post-Mexican-American War.
Displacement of many indigenous populations intensifying racial dynamics and labor competition.

Overall recap of how westward expansion, the Mexican-American War, and the subsequent social dynamics were shaped by the racial and political ideologies prevalent at the time, contributing to the Civil war complex.