Western expansion (copy)

1. Mountain Men & Missionaries (Ex’s Oregon)

Mountain men were people that trapped animals and traded skins in the Rocky Mountains (Bridger, Smith, & Carson).

2. Brigham Young

A Mormon man that settled Salt Lake City. He became leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith was assassinated. He was very important to the Westward Expansion.

3. William Becknell

Opened a trade route between the United States and Mexico in New Mexico/Santa Fe.

4. John C. Fremont

American explorer that surveyed Western lands including Oregon, which allowed migration routes to be set up. Helped free northern california and establishes the bear flag republic.

5. Stephen Austin

The “Father of Texas” who laid the groundwork for Americans to immigrate into Texas when the Mexicans gained independence. He led 300 American families into Texas.

6. Donner Party & John Sutter

The Donner Party took what they thought was a shortcut but ended up taking a month longer than expected. They got caught in the Sierra Nevada mountains and resorted to cannibalism to survive. Still, half of them died. Sutter discovered gold on his mill, which kicked off the gold rush.

7. Sam Houston 

Texan general whose actions helped Texas to win independence from Santa Anna’s rule. He led the Texan army to victory over the Mexicans after the Battle of San Jacinto. He went on to become the President of Texas.

8. Antonio Santa Anna

Dictator of Mexico that took power after the Mexican Revolution. He was opposed to American influence on Texas, which led to the Texas Revolution. Signed Treaty of Velasco while hostage, ending the Texan Revolution.

9. Zachary Taylor

Sent to the Rio Grande River to defend the southern US border and defend Texas. This led to the Mexican-American War. Famous for the Battle of Buena Vista.

10. Winfield Scott

American general in the Mexican War. He is most notable for defeating Santa Anna and capturing Mexico City. Known for Siege of Veracruz and the Capture of Mexico City.

Events

1. Battle of Gonzales

First battle of the Texan Revolution. The Mexican army tried to take a cannon from the Texans… “Come and Take It”... The Texans won this battle.

2. Remember the Alamo & Goliad

The Texans captured San Antonio and set up a base in the Alamo. Santa Anna set up a siege, but the Texans resisted for 12 days. The Alamo was stormed and overtaken, but it took many resources, time, and it created motivation for Texas… The Goliad was a prison that, under order from Santa Anna, executed over 300 Texan POWs.

3. Battle of San Jacinto

Sam Houston of Texas vs Santa Anna of Mexico. Houston turned south to face the Mexicans head on. After a standoff, the Texans rushed the Mexicans and defeated them in 18 minutes. 600+ Mexican casualties to 9 Texans. Led to Treaty of Velasco.

4. Treaty of Fort Laramie

Treaty made with Native Americans that allowed settlers to move across the Great Plains without being attacked.

5. Election of 1844

Westward expansion was the major point of debate in this election. Polk (D) won nomination over Tyler and MVB mainly due to his support of the annexation of Texas. Clay (W) was the frontrunner, but Birney (Liberty) split the vote, mainly in NY, allowing Polk to win the election.

6. Battle of Buena Vista

Small American force led by Zachary Taylor battled Santa Anna’s army near Monterrey. Both sides inflicted large casualties, but the US eventually forced a retreat. Officially a stalemate. Taylor was removed due to the fact he was gaining political power.

7. Bear Flag Republic

A short lived nation in modern day California that formed when Fremont captured the area in the Mexican war.

8. Battle of Veracruz

The US placed a siege on the port city of Veracruz. After 20 days, the Americans closed in on the city over land and sea. This would eventually lead to the capture of Mexico City and the end of the war.

9. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Treaty that ended the Mexican-American War. In the treaty, the US paid Mexico $15M, but the Mexicans gave up land in modern day California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, etc. Defined the Rio Grande as the border.

Topics/Terms

1. Manifest Destiny

The idea that it was the divine right of Americans to expand westward to spread goodness to the people that live there. (John Lewis O’Sullivan)

2. Squatters (Preemption Act)

People that live on land that they don’t own. The Preemption Act stated that Americans could buy land out west for $1.25 an acre. If a squatter was found, they needed to pay the government for the land they were living on.

3. Empresarios

People that had rights to large plots of land in Texas/Mexico and were in charge of bringing people into those lands by selling it for low prices.

4. Annex (ation) define & what was?

To take refuge in to gain territory. Texas was annexed by many Americans.

5. “54 40 or Fight” & 1846 Compromise

54 40 is the line of latitude that America believed defined its northern border with British Canada, and were willing to go to war over it. The 1846 Compromise got rid of joint occupancy of Oregon and established the 49th parallel as the border.

6. Envoy

A representative of a nation on a diplomatic mission. Sent by the president. $30M to purchase California, but Santa Anna refused to negotiate with John Slidell

7. Siege

To surround an enemy force… trying to let the army die out slowly. Used in Veracruz.

8. Cede

To give up power or territory, usually after a conflict. Mexico ceded land in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

9. Wilmot Proviso

The belief that slavery should be forbidden in the new lands gained after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It was based on the fact that slavery was illegal under Mexico. These bills would never actually pass.

10. Overlanders vs. 49ers

Overlanders were people that moved west on land trails. 49ers were people that moved west specifically to prospect for gold.