Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny and Expansion Overview

• Belief: The US was destined to expand across the continent to the Pacific Ocean.

Mexico/Texas

• Independence: Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

• Texas Settlement: Became part of Mexico; American settlers welcomed if they became citizens and accepted Mexican laws and Catholic Church support.

  • Key Figure: Stephen Austin brought the first American settlers; population reached 20,000 by 1834.

  • Military Enforcement: Mexico sent soldiers to enforce laws.

Texas Revolution (October 1835 - April 1836)

Initial Battles

• First Battle: Gonzales marked a Texas victory; early successes helped enlist militia support.

• Key Events:

  • Texas captured San Antonio.

  • Texas militia occupied the Alamo for protection.

Alamo Details

• Location: Large mission (5 acres), not easily defendable.

• Notable Figures:

  • William Travis: Leader, owned slave named Joe.

  • Jim Bowie: Inventor of the Bowie Knife, died from Tuberculosis.

  • David Crockett: US congressman, likely executed by Santa Anna.

  • Juan Seguin: Sent for help from General Sam Houston.

The Siege of the Alamo

• Forces: Santa Anna’s 3,000-6,000 troops vs. 189-250 Texans.

• Battle Duration: 13 days, ended in hand-to-hand combat.

• Casualties: Almost all Texans died; over 1,500 Mexicans also died.

Battle of San Jacinto

• Leader: Sam Houston against Santa Anna.

• Tactics: Surprise Texan attack led to victory, capturing Santa Anna and securing Texas's independence.

The Lone Star Republic

• Independent Nation: Known as the Republic of Texas.

• First President: Sam Houston.

Annexation of Texas

• Request for Annexation: Texas asked the US to annex it as a new state.

• Challenges:

  • Risk of war with Mexico.

  • Northern opposition due to Texas being a slave state; concerns over the balance of free/slave states.

• Outcome: Texas remained independent for 10 years until President James K. Polk and Congress made it a new (slave) state in 1845.