Untitled Flashcards Set

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was destined by God to expand its territory across North America, bringing liberty and civilization.

Creation of Manifest Destiny

Defined during the 1840s, particularly in the context of U.S. territorial expansion.

Impact on Native Americans

Forced relocation, violence, and displacement from ancestral lands.

Impact on Slavery

The expansion created tensions over whether new states would allow slavery.

Personal Motivation for Moving West

Seeking new opportunities, land, and resources; escaping economic hardship or religious persecution.

American Culture's View

Manifest Destiny was seen as a divine mission, especially depicted in art, like the 'American Progress' painting.

Excuse for Expansion

While the concept claimed it was for spreading liberty, it often served as justification for imperialism and the conquest of lands.

Settling the West

People moved via trails (Oregon, Santa Fe, California) and established towns, farms, and businesses.

California & Oregon Settlement

The California Gold Rush and Oregon's fertile land attracted settlers earlier than the Great Plains.

The Oregon Trail

The arduous journey faced harsh conditions, disease, and long travel times, but settlers were motivated by economic opportunity and land promises.

John O'Sullivan

Journalist who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny.'

Joseph Smith & Brigham Young

Founders of Mormonism; Smith established the faith, and Young led Mormons to Utah for religious freedom.

American Progress Painting

Depicts Columbia (symbolizing America) spreading westward, carrying civilization and technology.

Mountain Men

Trappers and explorers who helped pave the way for settlers.

Trails

Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail—routes taken by settlers.

Oregon Fever

The mass migration to Oregon for fertile land and a fresh start.

Gold Rush

1848 discovery of gold in California, leading to a massive influx of settlers.

Mormon Migration

The relocation of Mormons to Utah to escape persecution and establish a religious community.

Texas Revolution

The conflict between Texas settlers and the Mexican government leading to Texas independence.

Two things in 1821

Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Stephen Austin brought settlers into Texas.

Upset by Coahuila-Tejas Province

Americans resented the merging of Texas with Coahuila, which diluted their political influence.

Attempted Purchase of Texas

The U.S. tried to buy Texas, but Mexico refused, fearing the loss of territory.

Austin in 1833

Stephen Austin was imprisoned in Mexico for advocating Texas independence.

Santa Anna's Actions in 1834

Santa Anna became a dictator, centralizing power and restricting Texas' autonomy.

Texan Organizing

Texans sought independence due to their grievances over Mexico's control, including restrictions on slavery and self-government.

Key Figures at the Alamo

William Travis, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Juan Seguin were key defenders.

Santa Anna's Surprise

He attacked quickly, catching the defenders off-guard.

Travis' Orders

Sam Houston wanted Bowie to abandon the Alamo, but he stayed to defend.

The Alamo's Tragic Outcome

Texans never learned of reinforcements and were overwhelmed.

Remember the Alamo & Remember the Goliad

Both refer to massacres that galvanized Texan resistance.

Texas Declaration of Independence

Document declaring Texas' independence from Mexico.

Battle of the Alamo

1836 battle where Texan forces were overwhelmed by Santa Anna's troops.

Battle of San Jacinto

The final battle of the Texas Revolution, resulting in Texan victory and Santa Anna's capture.

Treaty of Velasco

Treaty that ended the Texas Revolution, granting Texas independence.

Annexation of Texas

The process of incorporating Texas into the United States.

Arguments for Annexation

Manifest Destiny, expanding the U.S. and securing Texas from potential foreign threats.

Arguments Against Annexation

Fear of exacerbating tensions over slavery, the costs of war, and the impact on U.S.-Mexico relations.

President Tyler's Position

Supported annexation but faced opposition in Congress.

President Polk's Position

Advocated for the annexation and succeeded in bringing Texas into the Union.

Texas as a Slave State

Texas was admitted as a slave state, fueling further division over slavery.

54° 40' or Fight

Polk's slogan related to the boundary dispute with Britain over Oregon Territory.

Causes of the Mexican-American War

Mexico's instability and Polk's actions provoked the conflict.

American blood spilled on American soil

This statement was misleading because the conflict was in disputed territory, not U.S. soil.

Why America Won

Superior resources, military strategy, and leadership gave the U.S. an advantage.

Zachary Taylor's Role

Led successful campaigns, but was demoted after his popularity surged.

Polk's Motivation for NM and CA

Polk wanted to secure these territories for strategic and economic reasons.

Santa Anna's Return

After being exiled, Santa Anna regained power but was defeated by American forces.

Amphibious Assault

The U.S. launched its first large amphibious assault at Veracruz.

End of War

The U.S. and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the conflict and establishing the Rio Grande as the border.

Battle of Monterrey

A significant victory for U.S. forces in northern Mexico.

Bear Flag Revolt

American settlers in California rebelled against Mexico, leading to California's declaration of independence.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Ended the war and ceded large territories to the U.S.

President Polk

Led the U.S. through the Mexican-American War and pushed for territorial expansion.

Santa Anna

Mexican general and president, whose actions led to the war.

Zachary Taylor

U.S. general who achieved victories during the war and later became president.

General Kearny

Led forces into New Mexico and California, securing them for the U.S.

John Fremont

Led the Bear Flag Revolt and played a key role in California's conquest.

Winfield Scott

Led the amphibious assault on Veracruz and the final assault on Mexico City.

• Zachary Taylor - Known as "Old Rough and Ready," he achieved significant victories at the battles of Palo Alto and Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War.