Expansion of the United States
Manifest Destiny
and Beyond
Manifest Destiny
Dream of a nation stretching from Atlantic to
Pacific Ocean
“Divine Mission” to spread liberty and
democracy across continent
John O’Sullivan coined the phrase:
“Manifest Destiny”
Clearly apparent or obvious destiny to
overspread and possess the whole of the
continent
Independence of Texas
Texas a province of
Mexico
Mexico concerned that
too many Americans in
Texas
U.S. offers to buy
Texas – Declined!!
1830: Mexico stops
Americans coming into
Texas
1836: Texas fights for
Independence led by
Commander Sam
Houston
Battle of the Alamo
Fortress built on ruins of a Spanish
Mission
Fewer than 200 men assembled vs.
4,000 Mexicans
Battle lasted 13 days; more than
180 Texans died – includes Davy
Crockett
“Remember the Alamo!!”
Texas Gains Freedom
1836: About 800 Texans, under Sam
Houston, surprised General Santa Ana
Forced him to sign a treaty recognizing
the Republic of Texas
Annexation of Texas: 1845
Annex: Join or attach
U.S. hesitated to annex Texas – Why?
North feared adding slavery
Some feared war with Mexico
Feb. 1845: Annexed into U.S.
Dec. 1845: Becomes a state
Oregon Country: 1846
British Territory
U.S. Territory
An enormous wilderness
Treaty of 1818: Joint
occupation by Britain and
U.S.
By 1845: Over 5,000
Americans living there
New government plan drawn
up as Americans outnumber
British
Treaty of 1846: Divide
Oregon Country at 49th
Parallel
Very similar to today’s
northern border
War with Mexico: 1846-1849
Mexico broke off relations with U.S.
when Texas annexed
Differed over southern Texas border
Pres. Polk wanted more than just Texas
He wanted land all the way to Pacific
Offered $30 million to Mexico for California
and New Mexico – Mexico declined!!
War began in May 1846
War with Mexico: 1846-1849
American troops soon captured New Mexico
January 1847: California under U.S. control
War moved into Mexico
Sept. 1847: Captured Mexico City (Capital) –
War ends!
1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Rio Grande River – Texas southern border
U.S. gets California and New Mexico
Map of Texas
Gadsden Purchase: 1853
30,000 square miles - $10 million
Eventual route for southern
transcontinental railroad