Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

Study Notes

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

Manifest Destiny: The belief that Americans were destined to expand across North America, justified territorial acquisitions and conflict with Native Americans.
Territorial Acquisitions: Key territorial additions included the Louisiana Purchase, annexation of Texas, Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession.

The United States: Key Events Timeline

1776: Declaration of Independence from Britain.
1783: Treaty of Paris ends the Revolutionary War, recognizing U.S. independence.
1787: U.S. Constitution drafted, establishing a federal government framework.
1803: Louisiana Purchase doubles U.S. territory for $15 million.
1812: War of 1812, termed America’s Second War for Independence against Britain.
1823: Monroe Doctrine articulates U.S. opposition to European colonization in the Americas.
1845: Texas annexed, escalating tensions with Mexico.
1846: Oregon Territory established, expanding U.S. claims to the Pacific Northwest.
1848: Mexican Cession resulting from the Mexican-American War grants the U.S. significant territory.

The Northwest Territory

Territory won from Britain post-American Revolution, designed for settlement and economic productivity.
Slavery prohibited to encourage white migration, providing same rights as older states upon admission.

Jefferson’s Initiatives

Louisiana Purchase: Acquired from France at 3 cents per acre; this deal doubled the U.S. size and enhanced presidential power.
Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806): Explored new territories, mapped borders, and facilitated westward settlement through new information on resources.

Era of Good Feelings

Post-War of 1812 period characterized by national pride, economic growth, and the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party.

The Cotton Economy

Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin (1794): Revolutionized cotton production, leading to increased demand for slave labor.
Cotton became the primary cash crop, significantly influencing the Southern economy and increasing the slave population.

Henry Clay’s American System

Economic plan aimed at strengthening U.S. regions through protective tariffs, infrastructure projects, and a second national bank.
Protective tariffs benefited Northern factories but negatively impacted Southern trade relations.

Monroe Doctrine

Designed to prevent European interference in the Western Hemisphere, signaling U.S. territorial ambitions.
Supported by Great Britain to protect trade interests in South America.

Important Legislative Compromises

Missouri Compromise (1820): Maintained balance between slave and free states; Missouri as a slave state, Maine as free, with a commitment to prevent slavery north of the 36°30′ line.
Compromise of 1850: Admitted California as a free state while allowing territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty. Additional provisions included a stricter Fugitive Slave Act.

Mexican-American War

Triggered by the annexation of Texas; disagreement over territorial boundaries led to conflict.
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo (1848) resulted in significant land gains for the U.S., including California and New Mexico, solidifying Manifest Destiny.

Final Territorial Expansion

Gadsden Purchase (1853): Acquired land in southern New Mexico and Arizona to facilitate potential railroad construction; marked the completion of territorial expansion linked to Manifest Destiny.

Summary of U.S. Territorial Expansion

Major acquisitions occurred primarily between 1800 and 1850, with Manifest Destiny initiating from the Louisiana Purchase and concluding with the Gadsden Purchase.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the American expansion westward. Test your knowledge on key territorial acquisitions and notable events that shaped the United States during this era. Delve into the significance of major milestones like the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Texas.