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Questions and Answers
What was the primary belief associated with Manifest Destiny?
What was the primary belief associated with Manifest Destiny?
Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?
Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?
Which group opposed the concept of Manifest Destiny?
Which group opposed the concept of Manifest Destiny?
What event marked a significant military engagement that motivated Texans for independence?
What event marked a significant military engagement that motivated Texans for independence?
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What requirement did Mexico impose on American settlers in Texas?
What requirement did Mexico impose on American settlers in Texas?
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What was the outcome of the Battle of San Jacinto?
What was the outcome of the Battle of San Jacinto?
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Which political party emerged in opposition to President Jackson?
Which political party emerged in opposition to President Jackson?
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What was a consequence of the victory at the Alamo for the Texans?
What was a consequence of the victory at the Alamo for the Texans?
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What major economic event occurred just two months into Van Buren's presidency?
What major economic event occurred just two months into Van Buren's presidency?
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Which territory was claimed by Polk as his first order of business after taking office?
Which territory was claimed by Polk as his first order of business after taking office?
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What was a consequence of the removal of the National Bank prior to 1837?
What was a consequence of the removal of the National Bank prior to 1837?
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How did the Whig Party initially respond to the war with Mexico?
How did the Whig Party initially respond to the war with Mexico?
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What significant outcome resulted from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
What significant outcome resulted from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
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What was one of the key motivations behind Polk's willingness to go to war with Mexico?
What was one of the key motivations behind Polk's willingness to go to war with Mexico?
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What led to the rapid population growth in California during the late 1840s?
What led to the rapid population growth in California during the late 1840s?
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Which president attempted to annex Texas as a slave state?
Which president attempted to annex Texas as a slave state?
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Who succeeded James K. Polk as President of the United States?
Who succeeded James K. Polk as President of the United States?
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What was the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 primarily about?
What was the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 primarily about?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Manifest Destiny and its impact on America's expansion between 1830 and 1853. Explore the beliefs, key figures, and major events that shaped this vital period in U.S. history. Discover both the supporters and opponents of this ideology and the consequences of territorial growth.
