In-Depth Notes on Westward Expansion, Texas Revolution, and California Gold Rush

Spanish Conquest 1519: First Spanish conquistadors arrive in Texas.
French Presence (1682): French establish Fort St. Louis, leading to Spanish efforts to strengthen their hold in Texas due to the competition.
Early Settlements: Over the next 100 years, the Spanish establish various villages, presidios, and missions.
Moses Austin (1820): Secures a grant from the Spanish to establish an American colony in Texas, but dies before he can do so.
Stephen Austin: Moses' son who continues the plan and is often called the 'Father of Texas'.
- Debate on the title: Some believe Moses deserves it due to securing the charter.

Mexico's Independence (1821): Location becomes part of newly independent Mexico post-Spain.
Migration (1824-1828): Stephen Austin negotiates agreements to bring settlers into Texas, culminating in over 50,000 American settlers by the eve of revolution (compared to 3,500 Mexicans).
- Cultural Tensions: Clash between Anglo Saxon settlers (WASPs) and Mexican (Catholic) residents.
- Slavery Conflict: Texas settlers favor slavery while Mexico had abolished it.

Santa Anna's Rise: Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna becomes president in 1833, leading to further instability in Mexico.
Austin's Arrest: After Austin's meeting with Santa Anna fails, he is imprisoned for two years, increasing revolutionary sentiments upon his return.
Battle of the Alamo (1836): Famed battle as Santa Anna attacks with an army of ~1,800 against around 189-257 defenders, leading to the fall of the Alamo after ten days.
- Davy Crockett's Fate: Captured and executed after the battle, contrary to the myths surrounding his death.
San Jacinto (1836): Major battle where Texan forces, inspired by the Alamo, defeat Santa Anna's troops, leading to Texas independence.
Result: The Republic of Texas is established and recognized on the last day of Andrew Jackson’s presidency.

Complications of Annexation: Texas seeks to become part of the United States but faces fears of war. Sam Houston advocates for statehood.
- Presidential Election: James Polk wins on a platform of annexing Texas, and Tyler, to spite Polk, annexes Texas as his last presidential act.
Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Starts over border disputes after troops cross the Rio Grande; viewed as controversial and possibly unjust.
Key Figures: Zachary Taylor leads but is later removed by Polk due to popularity worries. Winfield Scott takes command, overseeing the siege of Veracruz.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848): Mexico cedes large territories to the US for $15 million, solidifying the US- Mexico border and expanding US territory significantly.

Discovery (1848): Gold found by James Wilson Marshall at John Sutter's property.
Economic Impact: Leads to mass migration of prospectors (the 49ers) to California, despite limited actual gold.
San Francisco Growth: Population surges to 25,000 within a year, becoming a central economic hub.
- Significant Figures: Leland Stanford emerges as a major businessman benefiting from the gold rush.

Migration Influence: Missionary Marcus Whitman promotes westward migration, despite the reality of Oregon's geography.
Trail History: The Oregon Trail was originally laid by fur traders and later used by nearly 400,000 pioneers.
The Donner Party (1846): Wealthy group of pioneers delayed by poor choices; infamous for cannibalism during their struggle to survive in the Sierras.