Chapter 11: Manifest Destiny: Expansion Quiz (1830-1853)

Manifest Destiny: Expanding the Nation (1830-1853)

• Manifest Destiny: A widely held belief that American settlers were divinely ordained to expand across North America, spreading democracy, American beliefs, and Protestant Christianity.
• Supporters: Land speculators, railroad industry, farmers, industrial workers, religious institutions, and nationalists.
• Opponents: The Whig party (advocating for a stronger, not larger, nation), abolitionists, and pacifists.
• Expansion of the US: The US nearly doubled in size between 1804 and 1860, with millions of Americans migrating westward.
• Coined the term: John O'Sullivan coined the phrase "Manifest Destiny."
• Texas's Desire for Annexation: Americans desired Texas, which belonged to Mexico, a sparsely populated territory with 1,500 Tejanos.
• American Settlement in Texas: By 1830, Stephen Austin had led 20,000 Americans and 2,000 enslaved people into Texas.
• Mexican Requirements for Americans in Texas: Mexico required Americans to convert to Catholicism and free their slaves to stay.
• Tensions Rise: Tensions increased between Mexico and American settlers in Texas as Sam Houston pressed the Mexican government.
• Texas Declaration of Independence: Americans in Texas declared independence, forming the Republic of Texas.
• The Alamo: A 12-day Mexican assault on the Alamo, killing all 183 Texan defenders. This motivated Texans/Americans to avenge the deaths.
• Battle of San Jacinto: Texans slaughtered Santa Anna's army, achieving Texan independence.
• Davy Crockett: A famous figure in the Texas struggle for independence.
• Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna: Mexican President who led the assault on the Alamo; defeated at San Jacinto.
• Post-Texas Independence Political Landscape: Political parties became solidified in American society. Jackson chose Martin Van Buren as his successor, and the Whig Party arose in opposition to Jackson.
• Election of 1836: Van Buren won, prolonging Democratic power.
• Panic of 1837: A financial crisis, with people withdrawing funds from banks, leading to bank failures, resulting from Jackson's abolition of the national bank and payments of the national debt overseas.
• Election of 1840: The Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison, won. He died soon after taking office, leading to John Tyler assuming the presidency.
• Tyler's Presidency and Conflict with Whigs: Tyler, a conservative, vetoed a Whig-sponsored bill to re-establish the National Bank, leading to his expulsion from the Whig party and cabinet resignations.
• Annexation Efforts: Tyler and Calhoun attempted to annex Texas as a slave state.
• Election of 1844: James K. Polk, supported by Democrats, won and was in favor of expansion.
• Oregon Territory: Polk claimed the Oregon territory, resolving a joint US-British control issue by the 49th parallel.
• Mexican War (1846-1848) Causes: Polk's desire for more land and disputed southern and western Texas borders.
• Mexican-American War Start: Mexican aggression against American troops near the Rio Grande River sparked the war.
• Opposition to War: The Whig party and notable figures like John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln opposed the war.
• War Progression: Taylor's advance into Mexico, blockading Mexican ports, and Winfield Scott's capture of Mexico City were key events.
• Santa Anna's Involvement in the War: Santa Anna was removed from power, only to promise a peace treaty and return to power, backing out. Taylor defeated him again.
• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The US acquired vast territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California) for $15 million.
• Gadsden Purchase (1853): The US purchased more land in southern Arizona and New Mexico for $10 million.
• Polk's Successor: General Taylor succeeded Polk but died.

The Gold Rush and its Impacts

• California Gold Rush (1848): Gold discovery in northern California sparked a significant population surge.
• Population Growth: California's population soared from 7,000 in 1845 to 100,000 in 1850.
• Global Emigration: People from around the world immigrated to California in search of gold.
• Native American Impact: Native Americans in California suffered devastating consequences.
• Economic Impact: The Gold Rush generated $220 million in gold over the first three years. It impacted global economies and significantly enriched the US.
• Rise of Pacific Whaling: Pacific whaling became a major industry.
• Expansion into Hawaii: Increased presence in Hawaii set the stage for its annexation.
• China and Japan Trade: Early trade relationships with China and Japan emerged, although these Asian nations remained relatively isolated.