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Chapter 16 Student Notes – Manifest Destiny and Settling the West
Please write the page numbers where you can find this information in your Social Studies book.
16.2 The United States in 1783
How did the United States acquire this territory?
After the American Revolution ended in 1783, Great Britain gave the United States control of the
original 13 colonies along the Atlantic Coast, plus the rest of this territory, which extended to the
Mississippi River.
What other territory did the United States want?
Americans wanted the land in the Southeast controlled by Spain, and the land in the West controlled
by France, Spain, Great Britain, and Russia.
16.3 Louisiana Purchase (1803)
How was this territory acquired?
In a single agreement with France, the United States purchased most of the land reaching from the
Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains for $15 million.
Draw a visual that shows what happened to the American Indians.
16.4 Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804 – 1806)
List five places along the route that Lewis and Clark traveled.
Lewis and Clark started up the Missouri River, went through what is now North Dakota, crossed the
Rocky Mountains, and traveled down the Clearwater, Snake, and Columbia rivers to the Pacific Ocean.
Draw a visual showing Sacagawea’s role in the expedition.
16.5 Florida Acquisition (1819)
How was this territory acquired?
After General Andrew Jackson attacked Florida, Spain realized that it could not keep the United
States from taking over the territory. In 1819, Spain agreed to give Florida to the United States. In
return, the United States settled Georgia .
Draw a visual that shows what happened to the Seminoles.
16.6 Texas Annexation (1845)
How was this territory acquired?
In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. After a short war, Texas became known as
the Lone Star Republic. In 1845, Congress admitted Texas as the 28th state.
Draw a visual that shows what happened to the Mexicans.
16.7 Acquisition of Oregon Country (1846)
How was this territory acquired?
In 1846, Great Britain agreed to a boundary drawn at latitude 49˚ north that went from the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The British gave up any claims to land south of this line.
Draw a visual that shows what happened to the American Indians.
16.8 Mexican Cession (1848) and Gadsden Purchase (1853)
How were these two territories acquired?
The United States fought a war with Mexico and won. In 1848, Mexico signed the Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo, ceding territory to the United States. The United States paid Mexico $15 million for
this land. In 1853, the United States bought the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico for $10 million.
Draw a visual that shows what happened to the Mexicans and to the American Indians.