Manifest Destiny

-theory that the US should expand across the continent

Louisiana Purchase – doubled the size of U.S.

War of 1812 –

• Caused skirmishes with

• British equipped Native Americans

Lure of the West – land, gold, adventure…

250,000+ ppl 1840-1860

Mormons

-religious group founded by Joseph Smith , 1827

**Mormons played MJR role in settling WEST.

**Church of Latter Day Saints

-Smith was killed by a mob denouncing his views -while in jail for treason (1844)

-Brigham Young led the group west to Utah, 1847

-away from persecution

-Communal living: gave plots of land to each family

-formed a thriving community – Salt Lake City (1847)desert

Texas

-immigrants from U.S. move into Mexican Texas to help defend

Disclaimer: Americans had to become Mexican citizens, Roman Catholic and accept constitution (banned slavery)

Many ignored agreement.

Stephen F. Austin leads the settlers “FATHER OF TEXAS” established the first Anglo-American colony in the Tejas province of Mexico and helped it grow into an independent republic.

-Mexico tries to regain control of Texas

-Mexico feared a plot by the U.S. to acquire Texas

-Santa Anna becomes Mexican leader- controlling (“Napoleon of the West”

 Mexican leader and 11 X president who greatly influenced early Mexican and Spanish politics and government.

Texas-Battle of the Alamo, 1836

Texans defeated, all were killed

-”Remember the Alamo”

-Texans eventually defeat Mexican Army and declare independence

-Battle of San Jacinto- led by Santa Anna.

• cruel during battle inspired many ppl (TX and adventures) to join the Texan Army.

• Texans defeat the Mex Army 1836, ending the revolution.

-1836, Lone Star Republic-Jackson recognizes TX

Sam Houston serves as President of Texas

•David "Davy" Crockett –•frontiersman, soldier and politician. •"King of the Wild Frontier". •TN in the HoR•Major role on TX Revolution •Died at Battle of the Alamo

http://www.history.com/topics/mexican-american-war/videos#the-alamo

Western Lands

-Laramie Treaty: . US and Indians. Guaranteed safe travels for settlers along Oregon Trail in return for promises of $50,000 for 50 yrs. The NA nations also allowed roads and forts to be built in their territories.

Oregon Territory – explored on the basis of Manifest Destiny

Oregon Trail – most popular trail for settlers to take

Donner Party – resulted to cannibalism after getting stuck in Rockies

-“54-40 or Fight” – border Polk wanted w/ Canada--Polk promised U.S to gain Britain's Oregon territory

-election of 1844- POLK wins

Frémont Pass, 7,088 feet (2,160 m) high, became blocked in the early days of November 1846. It is now called Donner Pass, here in the 1870s.

Mexican War

-Texas finally annexed in 1845

-promise of newly elected Polk

-border dispute arises with Mexico

-Polk sends troops 3000+

-war breaks out after border skirmish

General Zachary Taylor-

Head of forces

General Winfield Scott

( BOTH great generals!)

US v MX: 1846-1848

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjUEBDOOSDM worksheet

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57582787/americas-forgotten-war-south-of-the-border/

Mexican War

-Mexico defeated

- U.S. won every major battle

-Mexican cessation (end/close) of lands in the west 1848

California, Nevada, NM, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming

Spoils of War

-Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – ends war w/ Mexico (1848)

-Mexican cessation – western states

-Gadsden Purchase – the southern parts of Arizona and New Mexico – draws Mexico/U.S. border

-Zach Taylor elected President

-California Gold Rush

Gold found in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill

1849 Gold Rush-49ers