Expansion of the United States

Manifest Destiny and Beyond

Manifest DestinyDream of a nation stretching from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean“Divine Mission” to spread liberty and democracy across continentJohn O’Sullivan coined the phrase: “Manifest Destiny”Clearly apparent or obvious destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent

Independence of TexasTexas a province of MexicoMexico concerned that too many Americans in TexasU.S. offers to buy Texas – Declined!!1830: Mexico stops Americans coming into Texas1836: Texas fights for Independence led by Commander Sam Houston

Battle of the AlamoFortress built on ruins of a Fortress built on ruins of a Spanish MissionSpanish MissionFewer than 200 men Fewer than 200 men assembled vs. 4,000 Mexicansassembled vs. 4,000 MexicansBattle lasted 13 days; more Battle lasted 13 days; more than 180 Texans died – than 180 Texans died – includes Davy Crockettincludes Davy Crockett““Remember the Alamo!!”Remember the Alamo!!”

Texas Gains Freedom1836: About 800 Texans, under Sam Houston, surprised General Santa Ana Forced him to sign a treaty recognizing the Republic of Texas

Annexation of Texas: 1845Annex: Join or attachU.S. hesitated to annex Texas – Why?

North feared adding slaverySome feared war with Mexico

Feb. 1845: Annexed into U.S.Dec. 1845: Becomes a state

Oregon Country: 1846An enormous wildernessTreaty of 1818: Joint occupation by Britain and U.S.By 1845: Over 5,000 Americans living thereNew government plan drawn up as Americans outnumber BritishTreaty of 1846: Divide Oregon Country at 49th ParallelVery similar to today’s northern border

British Territory

U.S. Territory

War with Mexico: 1846-1849Mexico broke off relations with U.S. when Texas annexedDiffered over southern Texas borderPres. Polk wanted more than just Texas

He wanted land all the way to PacificOffered $30 million to Mexico for California and New Mexico – Mexico declined!!

War began in May 1846

War with Mexico: 1846-1849American troops soon captured New MexicoJanuary 1847: California under U.S. controlWar moved into MexicoSept. 1847: Captured Mexico City (Capital) – War ends!1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Rio Grande River – Texas southern borderU.S. gets California and New Mexico

Map of Texas

Gadsden Purchase: 185330,000 square miles - $10 millionEventual route for southern transcontinental railroad