Manifest Destiny and The Mexican American War
Introduction:
The book says that “enthusiasm for expansion reached a fever pitch in the 1840s.” It also claims that “US entry into a war with Mexico provoked controversy from start to finish.” and asks the question “did the war to acquire territories from Mexico lead inevitably to the Civil War?”
Roughly translated, this means: “Students create a map that illustrates and explains the extent and motives for US expansion in the 1840s and 50s, (successful and unsuccessful) the cause(s) and results of the Mexican/American War and the events that followed, along with the controversies that all of these created.
” Simple enough.
Assignment:
Use the high tech map making program to create a map, then illustrate and explain in a creative fashion how manifest destiny and expansion evolved in the 1840s and 50s, and how they created tensions between the North and South.
Due:
At the end of 42 minute class period that began 5 minutes ago, so due in 37 minutes.
Grading:
Criteria Points Earned Points Possible
Manifest Destiny
Expansion
Mexican American
War
Controversy / Tension
TOTAL
Description

Defines Manifest Destiny

Explains motives behind it

Includes all successful and attempted expansion from
1840-1855

Explains causes, key events of Mexican American War and its outcome

Analyzes / evaluates the questions / controversies resulting from above accurately and in a thoughtful, creative manner
10
10
10
30

Manifest Destiny, Expansion, and War
NAMES_______________________
Grade Sheet
__________________________
________________________ __________________________
Criteria
Manifest Destiny
Expansion
Description
Defines Manifest Destiny Explains motives behind it Includes all successful and attempted expansion from 1840-1855

Webster Ashburton Treaty o Maine, Minnesota

1845 Annexed Texas
 1846 Oregon Treaty 49°

1848 Treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo (Mexican Cession) o California, NM o Texas to Rio Grande o $15 Million

Ostend Manifesto-Cuba

Walker Expedition Baja,
Nicaragua

Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (canal)

Gadsden Purchase NM
Points Earned Points Possible
10
Mexican American War
Controversy / Tension
Explains Mexican American War and its outcome
 “American blood on American
Soil”

Large majorities vote for war

Easy victories for Kearny,
Fremont, Taylor, Scott

Disaster for Mexico —loss of ½ of its country
Analyzes / evaluates the questions
/ controversies resulting from above accurately and in a thoughtful, creative manner
 “Slavery Power” question

Wilmot Proviso defeated
10
10
TOTAL 30