Manifest Destiny Terms Flashcards

Study Notes

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny: Belief that Americans had the right and duty to expand westward across North America, promoting civilization and democracy.
Expansion led to conflicts, including the war with Mexico and violence against Native Americans.

Great American Desert

Term used to refer to the Great Plains, indicating its perceived barrenness during the 19th century.

Imperialism

Imperialism defined as acquiring lands through force, exemplified by the Mexican Cession following the Mexican-American War.

Horace Greeley

Greeley was a journalist and a political figure opposed to slavery, though he did not advocate for abolition.
Founded the New York Tribune in 1841 and was a Whig associated with Governor Seward.
Nominated for the presidency in 1872 as the Liberal Republican candidate.

Annexation of Texas (President Tyler)

President Tyler initiated the annexation campaign for Texas in 1843.
Joint resolution passed in early 1845 for annexation after an initially defeated treaty in Congress.

Reoccupation of Texas

Post-annexation, Mexico began preparing for war in response to Texas accepting annexation.
President Polk sent troops to the disputed territory south of the Nueces River, asserting it was part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Reannexation of Oregon

Prior to 1846, the Oregon Country was jointly occupied by the U.S. and Great Britain.
Polk demanded all of Oregon; a treaty in 1846 established the 49th parallel as the boundary, giving U.S. southern Oregon.

Election of 1844

Whig nominee: Henry Clay, while Democrats faced a split between Martin Van Buren and Lewis Cass.
James K. Polk emerged as a dark horse candidate and won with support from disaffected Whigs and Irish immigrants.

James K. Polk

Slave-owning Southern Democrat and "dark horse" president elected in 1844.
Advocated for expansion, including Texas, California, and Oregon.
Opposed Clay's American System; favored lower tariffs and separating treasury from banking.

54 40 or Fight!

Polk’s campaign slogan suggesting conflict with Britain if full Oregon territory was not acquired.
Compromise in 1846 settled the boundary at the 49th parallel instead of insisting on the 54° 40' line.

Slidell Mission to Mexico

John Slidell sent by Polk to negotiate Texas' independence and the purchase of California and New Mexico.
His mission failed as he was not received by the unstable Mexican government.

Rio Grande, Nueces River, Disputed Territory

Dispute over Texas's southern boundary fueled the Mexican War; Mexico recognized the Nueces River, while the U.S. claimed the Rio Grande.
The land between these rivers was a contested area significant for its territorial implications.

Mexican War

Lasted from 1846 to 1848, driven by U.S. desires for territories like Texas and California.
Primarily fought on Mexican soil; disorganization in Mexico contributed to U.S. victory.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo concluded the war, establishing the Rio Grande as Texas's southern boundary and facilitating territorial gains for the U.S.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key terms associated with the concept of Manifest Destiny. This quiz explores the beliefs, historical context, and implications of this significant period in American history. Understand how it shaped the nation and its relations with Native Americans and Mexico.