TCI Lesson 15: Louisiana Territory Before 1800s - Claimed by Which Two Countries?

Study Notes

Louisiana Territory

The United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France (Napoleon) through a purchase.
Before the early 1800s, Spain and France claimed the Louisiana Territory.
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States overnight and expanded the territory westward.

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark were explorers who explored the Louisiana Territory.
Their goal was to find the Pacific Ocean and explore the Louisiana Territory.

Florida

The United States acquired Florida in a treaty with Spain after Andrew Jackson caused chaos in the region.
The United States acquired Florida from Spain.
The Seminoles were bands of Creek Indians who considered Georgia and Alabama as their homeland.
However, they were raiding farms in Florida.

Oregon

The United States acquired the Oregon Territory as part of the Louisiana Territory purchase and through a treaty with Great Britain.
The treaty divided the land between the United States and Great Britain.
Incentives for colonists to travel to Oregon Country included sunny weather, free land, fertile soil, and abundant forests.

President Polk's Campaign

President Polk's campaign slogan in 1844 was "All of Oregon or none!" and "Fifty-four forty or fight!"
Despite the slogan, Polk did not follow through on his campaign promise and instead made a treaty with Great Britain to divide the land.

Texas

The United States acquired Texas after it was annexed into the country following 10 years of independence.
Mexico claimed Texas before Stephen F. Austin started a colony.
Mexico banned slavery in 1829, which led to resentment from American colonists.
The Texans did not follow the agreement for starting their colony, which led to resentment from the Tejanos.
The Battle of the Alamo was a decisive event in which Mexican soldiers killed every fighter fighting for the Texans, leading to the famous rallying cry "Remember the Alamo!"
Some northerners opposed the annexation of Texas because they did not want to add another state with slavery.

Mexican Cession

The United States acquired the Mexican Cession territory through the Mexican-American War.
The annexation of Texas contributed to the Mexican-American War by increasing tensions between the two countries.

Gadsden Purchase

The United States acquired the Gadsden Purchase territory by paying Mexico 10 million dollars.
The land acquired included parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
The United States wanted to acquire this territory because it was good for railroads and would help resolve conflicts with Mexico and establish a border.

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny refers to the belief that it was the United States' right and duty to spread across the North American continent.

Annexation

Annexation refers to the addition of a territory to a country.

President Polk's View of Westward Expansion

President Polk was in favor of Westward Expansion.

Description

Explore key topics and questions from Lesson 15 in TCI curriculum about the Louisiana Territory, its acquisition, countries involved, and the impact of the Louisiana Purchase on the United States. Learn about Lewis and Clark's expedition and their goals.