Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War Notes

MANIFEST DESTINY AND THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR

Manifest Destiny and the Monroe Doctrine

  • Spanish Colonies gained independence by the 1820s.
  • The Monroe Doctrine was established in 1823.
  • Manifest Destiny is a key theme.
  • The problem of accurately mapping the region is discussed.
  • The issue of slavery is a significant factor.

The Spanish Empire

  • The Spanish Empire included a Spanish archipelago.
  • The Pueblo Revolt occurred in the 1690s.
  • The region was lightly Christianized.
  • Borders were maintained to keep out other empires.
  • A silver boom occurred in 1700.
  • New Mexico was integrated into silver production.
  • Trade occurred with Pueblo, Navajo, and other groups.
  • Taos fairs were significant.
  • Enslaving Native people was illegal but still occurred.

Competing Empires

  • Texas expansion began in 1716.
  • France controlled the lower Mississippi.
  • Apachería was a contested region.
  • The Comanches emerged in the early 18th century.
  • The Ute formed an alliance.
  • Horses were important for hunting and military purposes.
  • There was conflict with the Navajo.
  • New Mexican trade routes were established.
  • Small, mobile bands hunted bison.
  • Trade involved fur, meat, and enslaved Navajos, Pawnee, and Apaches.
  • Rescate (ransom) was practiced.
  • Firearms were traded.

Foreign Policy

  • Comanches were banned from Taos.
  • A 1746 alliance with the Wichita confederation was formed.
  • There was a French alliance.
  • Apaches were enslaved in exchange for weapons, maize, and beans.
  • Muskets and iron axes were traded.
  • Trading privileges were restored in 1748.
  • Nimiricante and El Oso were mentioned.
  • Comanche sovereignty was recognized.
  • Pecos fair was an important event.

New Order

  • Raiding and trading activities occurred.
  • Silver production recovered in the 1770s.
  • The Comanche population grew.
  • Mexican independence occurred in 1821.
  • The policy to populate Texas started in 1822.
  • Stephen Austin and his 300 settlers.
  • Requirements for settlers:
    • Renounce US citizenship.
    • Agree to live under Mexican law.
    • Embrace the Roman Catholic Faith.
  • Slavery was outlawed in 1829.

Mexico

  • Texas declared independence in 1835.
  • The US Congress voted to annex Texas in 1845.
  • The US invaded the disputed Rio Nueces area.
  • Mexico responded, and the US declared war.
  • The US invaded New Mexico and then California.
  • Winfield Scott invaded at Vera Cruz.

Mexican American War

  • Scott advanced to Mexico City.
  • The Battle at Chapultepec occurred, defended by cadets.
  • From 1846 to 1847, the US occupied Mexico.
  • US was divided over the extent of territory to take.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848.
  • Mexico lost:
    • Texas
    • New Mexico
    • Arizona
    • Nevada
    • Utah
    • Colorado
    • California
  • Losses were tempered by the North fearing the South's expansion of power.
  • In 1853, Mexico lost more territory in the Gadsden Purchase.

Filibusters

  • Filibusters engaged in unauthorized warfare.
  • Narciso López aimed for Cuban Independence in 1845.
  • The movement was pro-slavery.
  • John O’Sullivan coined the term “manifest destiny.”
  • Robert E. Lee was involved.
  • Jefferson Davis was involved.
  • August 1851 was a significant time.
  • U.S. Southern States were active in the 1850s.

Post-War

  • Comancheria's decline.
  • Westward expansion accelerated.
  • California's development.
  • Railroad construction.
  • Attacks on bison.
  • Spread of disease.
  • Native Americans were placed on Reservations in Oklahoma in 1875.