Questions and Answers
What was Manifest Destiny and what forces created it?
Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans were destined by God and history to extend their boundaries. It was driven more by economic factors than a divine plan.
What was the 'empire of liberty' and how was it to be achieved?
The 'empire of liberty' referred to a new territory that included Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and was to be achieved through both force and peaceful means.
How did Texas become available for annexation and what prevented its immediate annexation?
Texas became available after it gained independence from Mexico, but immediate annexation was prevented by President Jackson's reluctance to admit a large slave state.
What were the characteristics of western immigrants?
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Why did Clay and Van Buren wish to avoid taking a stand on Texas annexation?
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What were the goals of President Polk?
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What tensions emerged in the Southwest that threatened to lead the U.S. into war with Mexico?
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What was the Wilmot Proviso?
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What were the South's arguments against the Wilmot Proviso?
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What compromises were proposed to settle the issues raised by the Wilmot Proviso?
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What problems did President Zachary Taylor face when he took office?
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What was the Compromise of 1850?
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How did the sections of the country react to the Compromise of 1850?
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What effect did the depression of 1857 have on political divisions in America?
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What were the origins of the Dred Scott case?
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What caused the split between northern and southern Democrats in 1860?
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What were the immediate consequences of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
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What was the republican platform in 1860?
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How did the South react to President Taylor's program?
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How did the North react to the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
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What was implemented through personal liberty laws in Northern states?
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Study Notes
Manifest Destiny
- Manifest Destiny reflects the belief that Americans were destined to expand westward, often justified by divine providence.
- Economic motivations, such as the acquisition of cheap land and access to precious metals, fueled this expansionist ideology.
Empire of Liberty
- The concept referred to expanding U.S. territory to include Canada, Mexico, and various overseas locations.
- Perspectives differed on methods of expansion, with some advocating for forceful approaches while others preferred peaceful means to avoid conflict over slavery.
Annexation of Texas
- American settlers were encouraged to move to Texas by Mexico to establish a buffer against Native American incursions.
- Tensions arose from the desire to legalize slavery in Texas, leading to a rebellion and eventual independence as the Lone Star Republic.
- President Jackson opposed immediate annexation due to fears of adding a large slave state to the Union.
American Interest in Oregon
- Interest stemmed from expansionist desires and promises of fertile lands, but were complicated by underlying tensions regarding slavery and ownership.
Characteristics and Challenges of Western Immigrants
- Immigrants sought new opportunities, including wealth, land, and religious freedom, often facing hardships like long journeys, conflicts with Native Americans, and disease.
Political Stances on Texas Annexation
- Candidates like Clay and Van Buren avoided clear positions on Texas annexation to preserve their political prospects.
- This ambiguity benefited James K. Polk, who embraced annexation and captured the zeitgeist of the era, appealing to both Northern and Southern interests.
Polk's Goals and Resolution of Oregon Question
- Polk aimed to annex Texas and reclaim Oregon, resolving the latter peacefully by agreeing on the 49th parallel as the boundary with Britain.
Tensions Leading to Mexican War
- A boundary dispute between Texas and Mexico acted as a catalyst for war, fueled by forced territorial ambitions and nationalistic fervor.
American Interests in California and Slidell Mission
- Interest spurred by a desire to incorporate California into the U.S. and to offset slavery disputes.
- The Slidell Mission to purchase California was rejected by Mexico, escalating tensions.
Call for War and Criticism
- Polk cited Mexican aggression as the justification for war, but critics argued it set a dangerous precedent of presidential war powers.
Conduct of Mexican War
- Polk's military strategy included seizing parts of Mexico, achieving initial victories but not effectively pursuing captured enemies.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- The treaty resulted in Mexico ceding California and New Mexico to the U.S. and establishing the Rio Grande as the Texas border while also providing financial compensation.
Wilmot Proviso
- Proposed to prohibit slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, passed in the House but failed in the Senate, highlighting sectional divisions.
Southern Opposition to Wilmot Proviso
- Argued that all Americans should have equal rights to move their property, including slaves, into new territories.
Compromise Proposals
- Suggested solutions included extending the Missouri Compromise line or adopting popular sovereignty, highlighting ongoing conflicts over slavery.
Election of 1848 and New Political Movements
- Slavery in territories dominated the election, leading to dissatisfactions that birthed the Free-Soil Party.
Slavery Issues under President Taylor
- Taylor faced significant tensions over slavery in newly acquired territories and initially proposed to resolve the divisive issue, prompting threats of secession from Southern leaders.
Compromise of 1850
- Allowed California to enter as a free state and introduced popular sovereignty in new territories; lacked a solid consensus and relied on political maneuvering for passage.
'Younger' Politicians Post-Compromise
- New leaders emerged focused on expanding democracy and commerce, moving away from older, divisive political frameworks.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
- Divided political affiliations as Northern Democrats opposed its repealing of the Missouri Compromise, resulting in further fragmentation, particularly of the Whig Party.
Rise of the Republican Party
- Formed from anti-Douglas coalition in opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, securing significant congressional seats in their initial year.
Kansas as a Battleground
- The influx of proslavery Missourians led to a violent struggle for control, symbolizing the national sectional conflict over slavery.
Dred Scott Case
- Court ruling denied Scott's freedom and deemed the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, exacerbating sectional tensions and outrage among Northern abolitionists.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
- Highlighted national focus on slavery, showcasing Lincoln's moral opposition versus Douglas's commitment to popular sovereignty.
John Brown's Raid
- Aimed to incite an armed slave revolt, further heightening Southern fears for their security and fueling secessionist sentiments.
Democratic Split of 1860
- A rift between Northern and Southern Democrats over slavery led to Lincoln's election, as divisions weakened the party.
Economic Factors and Political Divisions
- The depression of 1857 intensified existing tensions, reinforcing Northern grievances against Southern Democrats, and highlighting issues of leadership during times of crisis.
Responses to Key Issues
- Buchanan's support for Kansas as a slave state reflected the difficulties of compromising over slavery, indicating a deepening divide and potential for conflict.
1860 Republican Platform
- Aimed to unify diverse anti-slavery factions, appealing to Northern constituents by promoting a pro-growth agenda in opposition to slavery's expansion.
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Description
Explore key concepts from APUSH Unit 6, focusing on Chapter 13. This chapter delves into the idea of Manifest Destiny and its impact on American expansionism. Review important terms and definitions to strengthen your understanding of this significant period in U.S. history.
