unit 3 day 1

By 1860, approximately 20,000,000 acres of federal land were available.
- Majority private but interspersed with public land.

European powers, particularly Britain, are entering an era of imperialism.
- Focus on expanding their territories and trade outside Europe.
- Key events include the Prussian Franco War and revolutions in France (1848).
The Ottoman Empire, referred to as the "Sikmian Empire," is viewed as a target for trade relationships by the British.
The American perspective on imperialism: the U.S. is more focused on acquiring land in North America than pursuing imperial ambitions abroad.
- Land desired includes territories owned by Mexico.

The term "Manifest Destiny" was coined by John L. O. Sullivan in 1845.
- It reflects the belief that Americans (particularly white Anglo-Saxon Protestants) are destined to expand westward and spread democracy.
- This ideology mirrors British sentiments about their own superiority.
Both abolitionists and non-abolitionists supported westward expansion due to Manifest Destiny.
- Slave owners significantly influenced the push for land due to economic motivations tied to slave labor.
Misconceptions about westward expansion being primarily driven by slave owners are countered by recognizing broader American sentiments for land ownership and expansionist duty.

Historical Context: John Quincy Adams recognized New Spain via the Adams-Onís Treaty (1819) while Mexico sought independence from Spanish rule.
Mexico gained independence in 1821.
- Initially, Mexico encouraged American settlers to inhabit its territories, leading to land grants aimed at fostering settlement.
Early settlers in Texas included the Austin family (Moses and Stephen F. Austin), who accepted Mexican regulations.
Conflict arises due to Mexico outlawing slavery in 1827 while exempting American settlers.'
- Many of these settlers were from southern states, desire for cotton plantation land.
By 1835, the demographics in Texas included:
- 27,000 Americans
- 3,000 enslaved individuals
- 3,000 Mexicans
- Emergence of two groups: the "Peace Party" and the "War Party" (the latter primarily composed of slave owners).

Mexican President Santa Anna's revocation of exemptions regarding slavery incited rebellion on March 2, 1836.
Texans sought independence, emphasizing the right to maintain enslaved labor in Texas.
The Battle of the Alamo became a defining moment in the struggle for Texan independence, romanticized by the media.
- Popular figures included:
- Davy Crockett: Frontiersman and folk hero associated with American ideals and heroism.
- Jim Bowie: Renowned for creating the Bowie knife, celebrated as an American icon.
The aftermath of the Alamo, characterized by heavy media coverage, heightened support for Texan rebellion.
Following their victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, Texans achieved de facto independence; however, Mexico did not acknowledge this independence.

Martin Van Buren, a complex political figure, refused to annex Texas for two reasons:
1. Reluctance to engage in a war with Mexico over territory.
2. His political stance as a "Free Soiler" led him to oppose the expansion of slavery into new states.
His refusal to annex Texas led to political repercussions, limiting his congressional prospects.

The boundaries between the U.S. and Canada remain uncertain around the Oregon Territory.
The Oregon Trail spurs a mass migration beginning around 1842, termed "Oregon Fever."
Difficulties faced by settlers:
- By 1860, 2,500 trailblazers took the Oregon Trail, with approximately 65,000 intending to settle, and a significant death toll of 34,000 due to environmental hardships.
Notable tragedies such as the Donner Party highlight the perils along the trail in 1846.

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 spurs a mass influx of miners in 1849, referred to as the "49ers."
California's prospective statehood is galvanized by the Gold Rush and the influx of prospectors.

The election of 1848 shifts focus to westward expansion and its implications for slavery.
- Controversies surrounding slavery of expansion are evident.
William Henry Harrison's presidency shifts to John Tyler due to Harrison's death.
- Tyler is viewed skeptically by both Whigs and Democrats.

James K. Polk emerges as an ardent advocate for territorial expansion, including Texas and parts of Mexico.
Employs a joint resolution to annex Texas as the 28th state (1849), bypassing traditional treaty ratification requirements.
Polk attempts to purchase additional land from Mexico but faces rejection, prompting him to pursue war as a means of acquiring territory.

Polk sends troops to areas claimed by both America and Mexico to provoke a response, which leads to war.
The U.S. reaches an agreement with Britain regarding the Oregon territory (49th parallel) to avoid interference in the conflict with Mexico.
General Winfield Scott orchestrates successful campaigns leading to U.S. victory.
The war culminates in territorial acquisition of California, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of modern-day Colorado.

Following the Mexican-American War, a faction known as the Conscience Whigs emerges, opposing the war on moral grounds, particularly regarding the expansion of slavery.
David Wilmot, a Pennsylvanian Democrat, proposes the Wilmot Proviso, intending to prevent slavery in newly acquired territories:
- It passes the House but fails in the Senate due to an evenly divided representation.
Movement toward a regional ideology regarding slavery becomes increasingly prominent, transcending traditional party lines.

The Free Soil movement emerges, prioritizing economic concerns over moral ones in their stance against slavery's expansion.
- They advocate limiting slavery instead of direct abolition, with the belief that it economically disadvantages other classes.
Frederick Douglass and others see potential in forming coalitions between Free Soilers and abolitionists for greater impact against slavery.

The interactions between American ideology, territorial ambitions, and the complex social and ethical implications surrounding slavery set the stage for significant national tension leading to the Civil War.
- Political maneuvering and alliances in this period foreshadow the conflicts to arise in the 1850s and 1860s regarding slavery and statehood.