Expansion and Conflict
I. Manifest Destiny
A. Manifest Destiny was a popular belief that the United States was destined to
extend its territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This phrase was coined by
John L. O’Sullivan in 1845 who was an influential magazine editor.
“Away, away with all these cobweb tissues of rights of discovery, exploration,
settlement… The American claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread
and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence {GOD} has given us for
the development of the great experiment of liberty.” John L. Sullivan
B. Settling Texas Timeline
1815
1821
1824
1830
Americans begin to push into the area of northeastern Texas.
Mexican Independence- Mexico encourages immigration for the US
to boost non-Indian population
Empresarios- Businessman who agree to recruit and take
responsibility for the new settlers.
Led by Moses Austin 7,000 Americans settle in Texas.
1. Rules to live by:
a) Loyal Mexican Citizens
b) Roman Catholic
c) No Slavery
Mexican Government begins to try enforcing the No Slavery rule. All
Slaves are classified as indentured servants. 25,000 Americans live in
Mexico by 1835
C. Time Line of the Texas Revolution
1825
1834
1835
1836
Mexico allows Son of Moses Austin to settle lands in northern
Mexico (Buffer between Indians)
Steven A. Austin.
General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna takes over Government
Under his harsh rule elected state representatives are replaced by
officials that are appointed by Santa Anna. Texas residents rise up
in anger
Texas Revolution is in full swing. San Antonio is captured
March 6 1836 Santa Anna leads assault on the Alamo (187 Men
and Women)
Alamo falls only a few survivors are allowed to leave. Town of
Goliad is attacked several weeks later and 350 prisoners are
executed. April 21, 1836 “The Battle of San Jacinto” Led by Sam
Houston, “Remember the Alamo and Goliad” Mexican Army
takes large number of casualties and Santa Anna is captured.
1837
Expansion and Conflict
Texas petitions for Statehood. Sam Houston is selected as the
leader of the Lone Star Republic. US Congress denies request.
Slave state and the consequences of foreign policy matters.
Texas
Lone Star Republic: March 2, 1836 Texas Independence
President Sam Houston)
Battles of the Alamo (Jim Bowie, Davey Crockett) & Goliad
Mexican Victories
Battle San Jacinto Houston Leads Texas Army to Victory April
20, 1836
Mexican General & President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Captured
Conflicting Claims
Original Claims on Oregon: England, US, Russia, Spain
1818 Treaty of 1818 US & England Joint Occupation (54 40 Line)
1819 Spain drops all Claims
1824 Russia drops claim due to some political pressure of the Monroe Doctrine
1846 Treaty of 1846 England & US Settles Border of US on the 49th parallel
Election of 1844 James K. Polk “Expansion Campaign”
Tries to buy California
Annexation of Texas 1845
54’40 or Fight Settles Oregon Territory (Treaty 1846 with England sets 49th)
Mexican War
Started by Boundary Dispute over Rio Grande (US) and the Nueces (Mexico) Rivers
General Zachary Taylor: Hero of the Battle of Buena Vista (Future President of the
US)
General Winfield Scott: Hero of the Battles of Vera Cruz and Mexico City
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo “Mexican Cession”
Nicholas P. Trist To Mexico: $ 15 Million for Cal, Utah, Nevada, and parts of
Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico Territory to the US, US pay Mexico $ 3.25
Million of debt of American Citizens, Mexico to Give up all rights to Texas.
Gold Discovered in California John A. Sutter’s Mill (Gold Rush of 1849 “49ers”)
Gadsden Purchase: 1853 (Lower western corner of Arizona and New Mexico)
Purchased for $ 10 Million, from Mexico to use for railroad route.
Expansion and Conflict