Mexican American War 12/4

Causes of Westward Expansion

  • Transportation Revolution:

    • Enabled movement of people and goods over long distances.

    • Innovations in communication further facilitated this movement.

  • Industrial Revolution:

    • Increased demand for resources and markets.

  • Manifest Destiny:

    • Belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.

    • Considered a divine mandate to move westward.

Effects of Westward Expansion

  • Conflict with Native Americans:

    • As settlers moved west, they encountered over 250,000 Native Americans.

    • This expansion inevitably led to conflicts over land and resources.

  • Slavery and Sectional Tension:

    • Expansion intensified the debate over slavery in new territories.

    • The issue of slavery became a politically charged topic, leading to division within families and political parties.

    • Gag Order:

      • Imposed in 1836 preventing the discussion of slavery in the House of Representatives.

    • Compromises avoided addressing the growing tensions, leading toward the Civil War.

Political Divisions

  • Manifest Destiny's Political Impact:

    • The push for westward expansion created divisions within political parties (Democrats and Whigs).

    • Northern and Southern factions within parties began to have conflicting interests, particularly over the issue of slavery.

  • Impact on Political Parties:

    • The Whig Party declined around 1852 due to internal conflicts over slavery.

    • The Democratic Party attempted to hold together but faced splits between Northern and Southern Democrats, especially by 1860.

James K. Polk's Presidency (1844-1848)

  • Background and Election:

    • Polk was a dark horse candidate who emerged as a champion of westward expansion, known for his commitment to annexing Texas.

  • Political Strategy:

    • Polk’s campaign relied on appealing to both Northern and Southern constituents.

    • He promised to maintain a balance of free and slave states.

  • Key Policies:

    • Annexation of Texas:

      • Texas, having declared independence from Mexico in 1836, was annexed in 1845 but not officially before that.

    • Oregon Territory:

      • The slogan "54-40 or Fight!" represented Polk's intention to claim all of the Oregon Territory but led to a negotiation of the 49th parallel instead.

    • Lower Tariffs and Independent Treasury:

      • Lowered tariffs to support economic growth; established an independent treasury system as a key Democratic policy.

Texas and Mexican Relations

  • Texas Independence:

    • Mexican independence opened the area to American settlers who migrated in large numbers for land and farming opportunities.

    • The abolition of slavery in Mexico led to tensions with American settlers in Texas who sought to maintain their slaves.

  • Battle for Texas:

    • Key figures like Sam Houston led the charge for Texas independence during conflicts with Mexican forces.

    • The capture of Santa Anna at San Jacinto secured Texas independence, despite the dubious nature of treaties signed under duress.

Conflict Over Oregon Territory

  • Joint Occupation:

    • Both Britain and the U.S. claimed the Oregon Territory, which was a significant area for trade.

  • Compromise and Negotiation:

    • With Britain willing to negotiate, Polk settled for the 49th parallel without war, easing tensions at that time.

Lasting Consequences

  • Legacy of Polk's Presidency:

    • Polk is often regarded as one of the most successful U.S. Presidents due to his achievement of several key goals in a single term.

    • His actions laid the groundwork for future conflicts over slavery and tensions leading into the Civil War.

James K. Polk's Presidency (1844-1848)

Background and Election:

  • Polk was a dark horse candidate who emerged as a champion of westward expansion, known for his commitment to annexing Texas.

Political Strategy:

  • Polk’s campaign relied on appealing to both Northern and Southern constituents.

  • He promised to maintain a balance of free and slave states.

Key Policies:

  • Annexation of Texas:

    • Texas, having declared independence from Mexico in 1836, was annexed in 1845 but not officially before that.

  • Oregon Territory:

    • The slogan "54-40 or Fight!" represented Polk's intention to claim all of the Oregon Territory but led to a negotiation of the 49th parallel instead.

  • Lower Tariffs and Independent Treasury:

    • Lowered tariffs to support economic growth; established an independent treasury system as a key Democratic policy.

COIL(T) Acronym:

  • C - Committed to expansion.

  • O - Oregon Territory negotiations.

  • I - Independence of Texas secured.

  • L - Lower tariffs implemented.

  • (T) - Tensions over slavery exacerbated by expansionist policies.

Lasting Consequences

  • Legacy of Polk's Presidency:

    • Polk is often regarded as one of the most successful U.S. Presidents due to his achievement of several key goals in a single term.

    • His actions laid the groundwork for future conflicts over slavery and tensions leading into the Civil War.