Chapter 12 Mexican American war- Gold Rush

American Expansion and the Wilmot Proviso

The United States made significant territorial gains during the 19th century, particularly during the Mexican-American War, ultimately reaching as far as Mexico City. This expansion was fueled by a belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.

Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War, fought between 1846 and 1848, was a pivotal conflict that arose from the United States' desire to expand its territory and assert its influence in North America.

• Causes: Tensions escalated over territorial disputes after the annexation of Texas in 1845. Mexico viewed the annexation as an invasion and refused to recognize Texas's independence. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as its southern border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River.

• Key Events: The war began when U.S. troops, led by General Zachary Taylor, were sent into disputed areas, leading to skirmishes with Mexican forces. Important battles included the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. U.S. forces, aided by a naval blockade and significant military campaigns, ultimately captured Mexico City in September 1847.

• Outcomes: The war concluded with significant territorial acquisitions formalized by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which added vast lands to the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This war intensified the debate over slavery in these new territories and was instrumental in shaping future U.S. domestic policy.

Wilmot Proviso

An important legislative proposal during this period was the Wilmot Proviso, introduced by Congressman David Wilmot in 1846.

• Purpose: The Wilmot Proviso aimed to establish clear guidelines regarding the presence of slavery in the newly acquired territories from Mexico, stating that none of the territory gained from Mexico should be open to slavery.

• Economic Implications: The Proviso underscored economic concerns about labor structures in these new territories and sought to ensure that free labor would thrive in the west, thus impacting the Southern economy dependent on slavery.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The resolution of the Mexican-American War was formalized by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in February 1848.

• Territorial Gains: This treaty led to the United States acquiring a significant portion of land, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

• Economic Opportunities: The acquisition opened up vast areas for settlement and economic activities, further intensifying the debate over slavery in these territories.

• Impact on Relations: The Treaty also formally ended hostilities between the U.S. and Mexico and set the stage for future negotiations and conflicts over border issues and the treatment of Mexicans living in the annexed territories.

States' Rights and Slavery

The essence of the Wilmot Proviso was rooted in the contentious issue of states' rights.

• Senator John Wilmot: Wilmot argued that states should have the authority to determine whether to allow slavery within their borders. This idea reflected the growing tension between Northern and Southern states.

• Future Conflicts: This concept not only set the stage for heated debates during the antebellum period but also foreshadowed future conflicts regarding slavery and state governance, culminating in the Civil War.

Free Soil Party

Emerging in the 1840s, the Free Soil Party was a significant political movement that arose in response to the debates surrounding slavery in the territories.

• Formation: Founded in 1848, the party was composed of former members of the Whig Party, anti-slavery Democrats, and abolitionists who opposed the expansion of slavery into the new western territories.

• Key Platform: The Free Soil Party's slogan, "Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor, and Free Men," encapsulated its goals. They advocated for the preservation of the western territories for free white settlers and sought to prevent the spread of slavery, believing it hindered economic opportunities for free laborers.

• Influence: Although the Free Soil Party never won a presidential election, it played a crucial role in shaping the dialogue around slavery and influenced the Republican Party's emergence in the 1850s.

Political Developments

The political environment of this era was complex, with numerous parties and influential figures caught in the debate over slavery.

• The Whig Party: Nominated Zachary Taylor as their candidate in the presidential election of 1848. Taylor, a military hero known for his leadership during the Mexican-American War, was seen as a strong candidate but had a somewhat ambiguous position concerning slavery in the territories.

Territorial Acquisition and Population Boom

The acquisition of territories from Mexico led to significant long-term implications in American history, particularly as it set the groundwork for future conflicts leading up to the Spanish-American War.

• The California Gold Rush: Beginning in 1848, this event caused a massive influx of settlers and prospectors into California, resulting in a considerable population boom.

• Diverse Influx: The rush attracted various immigrant groups, including Mexicans, Native Americans, Chinese, and Chileans, significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of California.

Economic Activities

As the territories were annexed, both immigrants and locals engaged in various economic activities, which influenced the region's economic landscape:

• Farming: With vast land available, farming became a vital economic activity, with crops ranging from grains to fruits.

• Factory Work: As towns grew, factories began to emerge, providing jobs and supporting local economies.

• Mining: Mining became a primary economic pursuit, especially as gold and silver were discovered, leading to further wealth and population growth.

Post-annexation, these territories became increasingly diverse in terms of the workforce and culture, reflecting the complex and evolving identity of the United States during this crucial period in its history.