Study Guide: By The People Ch. 11 (Manifest Destiny 1830-18530)
This is not a list of test questions. This is a list of topics that a student who’s prepared to score well on a
test in an advanced placement class should be able to discuss at length and in a number of different
ways. Any one of the items on this list could be the source of a lot of different multiple choice questions.
Please remember you’ll be tested on textbook and in-class content, not this list. This list exists to help you
but it’s not to be thought of as a guided tour of the test.

BELIEFS/IDEAS/CULTURE:
o Manifest Destiny: Definition and spiritual justification
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AMERICA AND THE WORLD
o The Alamo; Goliad; Treaty of Velasco
o
Junipero Serra and California’s mission system
o
James K. Polk and American expansion
o
U.S., Britain, and the Oregon Territory
o
Mexican War: Battles and Resolution
o
Economic and strategic interest in Hawaii
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Study Guide: By The People Ch. 11 (Manifest Destiny 1830-18530)
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
GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT:
o Manifest Destiny: Geography
o
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Contacts with East Asia
Mexican War: Geography
PEOPLING:
o Manifest Destiny: supporters and migrants
o
1820s-1830s “Anglicization” of Texas (including Mexican independence as a cause and details of
Mexican policy toward Texas)
o
Migration to California 1840s

IDENTITY:
o Expansion defines Americans as “pro-slavery” or “free-soilers”

POLITICS & POWER:
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Study Guide: By The People Ch. 11 (Manifest Destiny 1830-18530)
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Manifest Destiny and slavery
o
Debate and U.S. government action re. possible annexation of Texas
o
Development and positions of Democratic Party
o
Development and positions of Whig Party
o
1836 Election: participants, issues, outcomes
o
1840 Election: participants, issues, outcomes
o
“Tyler too” and intra-party conflict
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Study Guide: By The People Ch. 11 (Manifest Destiny 1830-18530)
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o
Mexican War: POTUS v. COTUS
o
Mexican War and the battle over slavery in the West
ECONOMICS (WORK, EXCHANGE, TECHNOLOGY):
o Gold Rush and the economics of CA and the U.S.
o
Technological transformation in mining
o
Importance of whaling in pre-fossil fuels economy
NOTES: Text (281-413-8097) or email (johnhmitchell@katyisd.org) if you’ve got a question re. a
study guide prompt!
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