Quick Review

Belief (NAT): A fundamental conviction that shapes individuals' or societies values and actions. Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that it was America's divine right and destiny to expand westward across the continent. The phrase Manifest Destiny expressed the popular belief that the United States had a divine mission to extend its power and civilization across the breadth of North America. Westward Expansion (MIG, GEO, ARC): The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West, which included migration patterns, geographic changes, and cultural exchanges. Great American Desert: A term used in the 19th century to describe the arid area of the Great Plains, viewed as difficult for settlement. The arid region between the Mississippi Valley and the Pacific Coast was popularly known in the 1850s and 1860s as the Great American Desert. Mountain Men: Trappers and explorers who ventured into the Rocky Mountains and played a crucial role in opening the West to settlement. Fur traders known as mountain men were the earliest nonnative individuals to open the Far West. In the 1820s, they held yearly rendezvous in the Rockies with American Indians to trade for animal skins.

Far West: The Far West refers to the westernmost U.S. regions beyond the Mississippi River, encompassing areas like the Great Plains, Rockies, and Pacific Coast, and including states like California, Oregon, and others. Its definition shifted with westward expansion. Overland Trails: Routes used by settlers traveling westward, including the Oregon Trail, that facilitated migration and settlement. Mining Frontier: Areas where mineral resources, particularly gold and silver, were discovered, attracting thousands of prospectors and settlers. Gold Rush: The rapid influx of thousands of settlers to California following the discovery of gold in 1848, significantly impacted the economy and population growth. Silver Rush: Similar to the gold rush, this refers to the discovery of silver in places like Nevada, leading to a significant migration and mining boom. Farming Frontier: The area of land, especially in the West, cultivated for agriculture, representing the expansion of farming into new territories. Urban Frontier: The development of urban areas as civilization expanded westward, leading to growth in cities that supported trade and settlement. Expansion Politics(POL): Expansionist politics involves strategies to increase a nation's territory and power, often through annexation or diplomacy, sparking debates about national interests and consequences. John Tyler: The 10th President of the United States, known for his efforts to annex Texas, which was a contentious issue during his presidency. Oregon Territory: Land claimed by both the United States and Britain, was significant for westward expansion and the migration of settlers seeking fertile land.

"Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!': A slogan used by expansionists advocating for the U.S. claim to the entire Oregon Territory (up to latitude 54°40*), highlighting the desire for territorial expansion. The Democratic slogan of "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" appealed strongly to American Westerers and Southerners who were in an expansionist mood. James K. Polk: The 11th President of the United States, known for his aggressive expansionist policies, including the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Treaty. James K. Polk of Tennessee, a protegé of Andrew Jackson, was firmly committed to Manifest Destiny. Military and Diplomatic Expansion(WOR): Military and diplomatic expansion combines military force and diplomacy to achieve territorial or political goals, often using one to create opportunities for the other. Texas: A region that gained independence from Mexico and was later annexed by the U.S., becoming a focal point of conflict and manifest destiny. Stephen Austin: Stephen Austin, succeeded in bringing 300 families into Texas thereby beginning a steady migration of American settlers into the vast frontier territory. Known as the 'Father of Texas,' he was an early settler who led the first successful colonization of the region by bringing American families to Texas. Antonio López de Santa Anna: A Mexican general and politician who played a key role in the Texas Revolution, known for his leadership during the Battle of the Alamo. In 1834, General Antonio López de Santa Anna made himself dictator of Mexico and abolished that nation's federal system of government. Sam Houston: A key figure in the Texas Revolution, he served as the first president of the Republic of Texas and led Texan forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. When Santa Anna attempted to enforce Mexico's laws in Texas, a group of American settlers led by Sam Houston revolted and declared Texas an independent republic in March 1836. Alamo: A pivotal battle site during the Texas Revolution where Texan forces were besieged by Santa Anna's troops, symbolizing heroic resistance. A Mexican army led by Santa Anna captured the town of Goliad and attacked the Alamo in San Antonio, killing every one of its American defenders. Webster-Ashburton Treaty: An 1842 agreement between the U.S. and Britain to settle border disputes, notably in the northern U.S. and Canada. In the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, the disputed territory was split between Maine and British Canada. The treaty also settled the boundary of the Minnesota territory, leaving what proved to be the iron-rich Mesabi Range on the U.S. side of the border. Foreign Commerce: The exchange of goods and services between the U.S. and other nations, significant to the economy and international relations. Exports and Imports: Goods sent out of a country (exports) and goods brought into a country (imports), are crucial for the economy during the period of expansion Matthew C. Perry: The government sent Commodore Matthew C. Perry and a small fleet of naval ships to Japan, which had been closed to most foreigners for over two centuries.A U.S. naval officer whose expedition to Japan in 1853 opened the country to foreign trade, influencing international relations. Kanagawa Treaty: An 1854 agreement between the U.S. and Japan that established trade relations and marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in East Asia. In 1854, Perry pressured Japan's govemment to sign the Kanagawa Treaty, which allowed U.S. vessels to enter two Japanese ports to take on coal. This treaty soon led to a trade agreement.