Westward Expansion
TEXAS
THE TEXAS REVOLUTION
Stephen Austin – formed a colony on Mexican
territory – By 1830, over 20,000 US settlers were
in the territory
 Cultural differences arise:
- Anglos spoke English NOT Spanish
- Anglos were Protestant, Mexico was Catholic
- Southerners were bringing slaves and Mexico had
outlawed slavery.
*** Rebellions break out; the Texas Revolution
begins (1835)

TEXAS TERRITORY
THE TEXAS REVOLUTION
JIM BOWIE
DAVY CROCKETT AND WILLIAM BARRETT
TRAVIS
THE ALAMO
 In
1836, Santa Anna attacked the
Alamo killing all the US defenders
including Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and
William Barrett Travis.
 Sam Houston led an attack capturing
Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.
His rally cry:“REMEMBER THE ALAMO!”
TEXAS FLAG
“LONE STAR REPUBLIC”
 Treaty
of Velasco – granted Texas
it’s independence
and
 Houston was elected President of
the Lone Star Republic
 The
South wanted to annex Texas and
expand slavery, the North did not
 James K. Polk was elected in 1844 and
pushed for gaining Texas (1845) and
war with Mexico in hopes of gaining
more land.
MEXICAN WAR: 1846 TO 1848
 Mex.
Attacks after U.S. annexed the
Republic of Texas
 Treaty
of Guadalupe Hildalgo (1848)
ends the war with Mexico who cedes
western lands to the US ($15 million)
THE MEXICAN CESSION TERRITORY
OREGON TERRITORY
 President
Polk-
1846
 An agreement with
Great Britain
 Extends boundary
to current line with
Canada
 Gadsden
Purchase – set current
borders for the continental US
 1849 California GOLD RUSH!! –
mass migration of all types looking
for gold (Forty-niners)
 1850 – California becomes a state
and outlaws
slavery
GADSDEN PURCHASE
MORE REASONS TO GO WEST!
RELIGIOUS – MORMONS flee religious
persecution; Brigham Young leads them to
Utah (Salt Lake City)
 Govt. Support – (1862) HOMESTEAD ACT –
offers 160 acres free to settle
EX. Oklahoma Land Rush- “Sooners” about
50,000 participate
(1862) Morrill Act – grants funding to
agricultural & mechanical colleges

OKLAHOMA LAND RACES
SOD HOUSES
SOD HOUSE