Oregon Country and Historical Impacts

A vast region in the Pacific Northwest, claimed by both the United States and Great Britain, that became a key area for westward expansion due to its fertile land for agriculture and access to the Pacific Ocean. It attracted settlers seeking new opportunities and free land.

The belief that the United States had a God-given right to expand westward across North America. This expansion led to conflict with Native American tribes and Mexico, resulting in forced removals and territorial disputes.

The process by which Native American tribes were forced to relocate from their ancestral lands, often through violent means, as the United States claimed territories for its own citizens. This displacement led to the establishment of reservations and the loss of cultural identity for many Native American nations.

A treaty signed in 1848 that officially ended the Mexican-American War. It resulted in the U.S. gaining significant territory, including California, Nevada, and parts of other states, and established the Rio Grande River as the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

A large region in the southwestern U.S. that used to be part of Mexico before the Mexican-American War. It includes states like California, Nevada, and parts of Arizona.

A prominent river that defines part of the US-Mexico border according to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It flows through Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.

A war between the United States and Mexico, fought from 1846 to 1848. The primary cause was the dispute over the annexation of Texas by the United States and the resulting border conflict.

A war fought from 1846 to 1848 between the United States and Mexico. The war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including California, Nevada, and other regions.

The 1803 purchase of land from France that doubled the size of the US and opened up new territory for settlement.

The purchase of land from Mexico in 1853 that secured a southern route for the transcontinental railroad.

The 1845 addition of Texas to the US, which angered Mexico and led to the Mexican-American War.

The belief that the US was destined to expand westward across North America, spreading democracy and civilization.

The Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the US, providing access to the Mississippi River for trade and farming.

The Gadsden Purchase helped secure a southern route for the transcontinental railroad, crucial for westward expansion.

Texas was annexed in 1845, sparking conflict with Mexico, since Mexico still claimed Texas as part of its territory.

This purchase gave the US control of the Mississippi River, an essential trade route for westward expansion.

France sought to sell the territory to fund European wars and because they could not defend it against British forces.

The forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern US to territories west of the Mississippi River, led by President Andrew Jackson.

The devastating forced march of the Cherokee Nation and other tribes (Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole) from their homelands to Oklahoma, marked by immense suffering and loss of life.

A crucial westward expansion route in the 19th century that stretched from Missouri to Oregon's Willamette Valley, used by pioneers seeking land and opportunities.

The 1844 presidential election where the annexation of Oregon became a major issue, with candidate James K. Polk advocating for US control of the entire Oregon Territory.

The peaceful resolution of the Oregon boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain in 1846, establishing the 49th parallel as the border.

The disruption of Native American cultures, economies, and societies as a result of the forced relocation policies, particularly the Trail of Tears.

The removal of Native American tribes from their southeastern lands led to hardships, cultural disruption, and displacement, leaving a lasting impact on these communities.

The Oregon Trail was a challenging journey, fraught with hardships like disease, accidents, and conflicts with Native American tribes.

The Oregon country was a land of opportunity, but also a place of conflict and displacement for Native American tribes.

In the early 1820s, Moses Austin, an American entrepreneur, persuaded Mexico to allow him to establish a colony in Texas. This agreement paved the way for American settlers to move into the region, which was then part of Mexico.

Mexican authorities required American settlers to convert to Catholicism and become Mexican citizens. They also expected settlers to learn Spanish and conduct all official business in the language.

Settlers in Texas faced challenges adapting to Mexican rule. They resisted integrating with Mexican society and insisted on maintaining their American identity. Many resented the requirement to learn Spanish, leading to communication difficulties and increasing friction.

In 1830, Mexico closed Texas to further American immigration, aiming to curb the influx of settlers and maintain control. This move only fueled discontent and resentment among American settlers in Texas.

By 1835, tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government reached a boiling point. Texas settlers, frustrated by the restrictions imposed on them, sought more autonomy from Mexico.

General Santa Anna, the dictator of Mexico, responded by ordering the suppression of the Texan rebellion. This led to a violent clash between Texans and Mexican troops, ultimately triggering the Texas Revolution.

After gaining its independence, Texas decided to join the United States. This move sparked controversy with Mexico, which never recognized Texas' independence. The annexation of Texas escalated tensions, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War.

The desire or policy of a country to expand its territory, influence, or power. This was a key factor in U.S. history during the 19th century.

The main reason for the Gadsden Purchase. Railroad builders needed a flat route for a transcontinental railroad connecting the East and West coasts of the United States.

The cost of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. The United States purchased the land from Mexico for this amount to secure a route for the Southern Transcontinental Railroad.

The modern-day border between the southwestern United States and Mexico. It was established through the Gadsden Purchase, resolving border disputes.

The impact of the Gadsden Purchase on U.S. control of the region. The purchase strengthened U.S. control over the land and furthered the goals of Manifest Destiny.

The impact of the Gadsden Purchase on economic growth. The acquisition supported economic development through railroad expansion, connecting the East and West coasts.