Questions and Answers
What does Manifest Destiny refer to?
Who were the major Whig leaders?
Who was John Tyler?
10th President of the United States, from Virginia, vetoed Whig tariff.
What was significant about the Panic of 1837?
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What was the Webster-Ashburton Treaty?
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What were Texas's contributions to American agriculture?
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Who was James K. Polk?
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What were the candidates of the 1844 election?
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Democrats did not advocate for Manifest Destiny.
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What was the Spot Resolution?
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What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish?
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What was the Wilmot Proviso?
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Study Notes
Manifest Destiny
- Coined by John L. O'Sullivan, it represents the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent.
- Related events include Columbus's exploration, English colonization, the Louisiana Purchase, the Indian Removal Act, and the Fort Laramie Conference.
- Texas played a significant role in manifest destiny, pushing the idea of expansion further.
Whig Leaders
- Prominent figures included Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, key players in shaping the Whig Party's policies and strategies.
John Tyler
- Served as the 10th president of the U.S. from Virginia, originally a Democrat.
- Notable for vetoing the Whig tariff, leading to conflicts with his own party.
Infrastructure Development
- America invested heavily in canals and railroads, greatly influencing economic growth and expansion.
Panic of 1837
- Significant financial crisis leading to a major recession lasting until the mid-1840s.
- Characterized by decreasing profits, plunging prices, rising unemployment, and overall pessimism.
Caroline Incident
- The American steamer Caroline was attacked and set on fire by a British force, highlighting tensions between the two nations.
Webster-Ashburton Treaty
- An agreement that provided Britain with the Halifax-Quebec route while the U.S. received additional territory north of Maine and a revised U.S.-Canadian border.
Texas
- Entered treaties with France, Holland, and Belgium, bolstering American cotton production and expanding U.S. territory.
- Became the 28th state in the Union.
James K. Polk
- Known as "Young Hickory," he was the 11th president elected in 1844 and had previously served as Speaker of the House and Governor of Tennessee.
Oregon Territory
- Claimed by Russia, Spain, England, and the U.S., leading to disputes over territorial rights.
U.S. Territorial Claims
- The United States asserted a claim along the 49° 40' latitude line concerning the Oregon boundary.
Candidates of the 1844 Election
- Key candidates were Henry Clay (Whigs) and James K. Polk (Democrats), representing differing visions for expansion.
Democratic Party
- Strong advocates of manifest destiny, emphasizing the need for westward expansion and acquisition of territory.
President Polk's Policies
- Implemented significant tariff reductions, from 32% to 25%, and restored fiscal independence through an independent treasury.
- Resolved the Oregon border issue and facilitated the acquisition of California.
Robert J. Walker
- Served as Polk's Secretary of Treasury, contributing to economic strategies during his presidency.
U.S.-Mexico Relations
- "Why all Texas but not all of Oregon?" expressed the disparity in power dynamics, with Mexico viewed as weak and England as strong.
Mexican-American War
- Conflict primarily over California, instigated by Polk, leading Congress to declare war.
Spot Resolution
- Introduced by Abraham Lincoln, it demanded clarity from President Polk regarding the exact location of conflict as justification for war against Mexico.
Santa Anna
- Mexican leader who falsely promised to relinquish California to the U.S. if returned to power, illustrating his duplicity.
John C. Fremont
- Led the Bear Flag Revolt in California, an uprising against Mexican rule that sought to establish California as a republic.
Zachary Taylor
- Nicknamed "Old Rough and Ready," he successfully repelled a significantly larger Mexican force with a smaller contingent of American troops.
General Winfield Scott
- Commanded American forces that captured Mexico City, significantly impacting the course of the war.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- Signed on February 2, 1848, this treaty resulted in the U.S. acquiring territory from Texas to California, known as the Mexican Cession.
- Also absolved all debts that Mexico owed to the U.S.
Wilmot Proviso
- Proposed by David Wilmot, aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into territories acquired from Mexico, but ultimately failed.
Consequences of Santa Anna's Actions
- Land disputes resulting from the Mexican-American War and subsequent treaties contributed to tensions leading to the Civil War.
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Test your knowledge on Chapter 17 of AP US History with these flashcards. Topics covered include Manifest Destiny, Whig leaders, and significant figures like John Tyler. Perfect for studying key concepts and events in American history.
