Overview of Manifest Destiny

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant issue faced by British authors in the nineteenth century?

  • They lacked access to American markets.
  • They were writing in a foreign language.
  • They were denied American copyright protections. (correct)
  • They had to adhere to strict British censorship laws.

What action was taken regarding McLeod's execution?

  • It was considered a declaration of war by Britain. (correct)
  • It resulted in a negotiation for reparations.
  • It was postponed due to public outcry.
  • It was cancelled after Britain intervened.

What was a direct consequence of Britain's abolition of slavery in 1833?

  • A rise in American support for colonization in Africa.
  • Increased British naval presence in the Caribbean.
  • The establishment of new British colonies in North America.
  • Southern fears of losing control over escaped slaves. (correct)

What was the main threat faced by Texas during the crisis in 1842?

<p>The possibility of a full-dress war with Mexico. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the Virginia slaves who rebelled on the Creole?

<p>They received asylum offered by British officials. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic development was America engaged in during the nineteenth century?

<p>Constructing expensive canals and railroads. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was sent by the London Foreign Office to negotiate with Washington?

<p>A nonprofessional diplomat, Lord Ashburton. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Texas open negotiations with Britain and France?

<p>To gain military protection against Mexico. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was McLeod's alibi considered important in the courtroom?

<p>It helped to discredit the prosecution's case. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Congress finally extend copyright privileges to foreign authors?

<p>1891 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the raids conducted by Mexico during the crisis?

<p>They were halfhearted and ineffective attempts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the negotiations between the two statesmen in Washington?

<p>They compromised on the Maine boundary issue. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legal situation did the rebellion on the Creole create for the British officials?

<p>They had to recognize the insurgents as legal combatants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mexican officials threaten if the American eagle gathered Texas under its wings?

<p>They would consider Texas a province in revolt to be reconquered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Texas's military situation against Mexico?

<p>They had to maintain a costly military establishment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the relationship between Lord Ashburton and Secretary Webster?

<p>They established cordial relations during negotiations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of the United States during the negotiation of the Anglo-American Convention of 1818?

<p>To divide the territory at the forty-ninth parallel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the British minister in Washington towards the olive branch offered?

<p>He brusquely spurned it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British refuse to yield the Columbia River during negotiations?

<p>They believed it was strategically vital for trade (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is James K. Polk commonly characterized in relation to his political career?

<p>As a determined and industrious public servant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group expressed loud complaints regarding American manufacturing during this period?

<p>The Clayites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Walker Tariff of 1846 ultimately prove to be?

<p>An excellent revenue producer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Oregon fever' commonly understood to be?

<p>A mass movement of settlers seeking land in the Oregon Territory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant cultural phenomenon that influenced the 1844 campaign?

<p>The Manifest Destiny ideology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Polk's main objectives regarding economic policy?

<p>The restoration of the independent treasury. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the sudden increase in Americans in the Willamette Valley in the early 1840s?

<p>The promise of inexpensive land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group was referenced as having possibly persuaded the British about the Columbia River?

<p>Little Englanders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What taunt did Whigs use to undermine Polk's credibility during his election campaign?

<p>Who is James K. Polk? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a concern raised by the Clayites related to British expansionism?

<p>That it would ruin American manufacturing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'joint occupation' refer to in the context of U.S.-British relations over Oregon?

<p>A temporary agreement to inhabit the territory together (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the sentiment towards fighting a war over the Oregon territory as expressed in the content?

<p>It was viewed with skepticism due to its risks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable political shift occurred in Britain regarding the Oregon issue?

<p>A change of heart among British officials. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Polk's goals regarding trade policy?

<p>To reduce average tariff rates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the antislavery Liberty party on the election results?

<p>It helped secure a victory for pro-Texas candidate Polk (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Secretary of the Treasury under Polk?

<p>Robert J. Walker (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marked the success of Polk's implementation of his economic goals?

<p>The swift passage of the Walker Tariff bill (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did the average rates of the Tariff of 1842 reduce during Polk's tenure?

<p>From 32 percent to 25 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the political consequence of the Liberty party's actions during the election?

<p>Changed the voting dynamics in favor of pro-Texas candidates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of land-hungry Democrats following Polk's election?

<p>They pushed for low tariffs to encourage westward expansion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of Polk's four-point program?

<p>Territorial expansion and annexation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant aspect of Senator Benton’s perspective on the relationship between Great Britain and Mexico?

<p>Great Britain is powerful and Mexico is weak. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did Polk ultimately achieve regarding the territorial dispute?

<p>He reached a compromise without conflict. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best reflects Polk's initial stance before negotiations with Great Britain?

<p>'Fifty-four forty or fight.' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the negotiations that directly involved Great Britain?

<p>A peaceful resolution of the territorial issue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Senator Benton imply about the necessity of military action?

<p>It was unnecessary in this case. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Polk's approach to negotiations based on his actions?

<p>He preferred diplomacy over military engagement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty is implied as a result of Polk's negotiations?

<p>Treaty of 1818. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about the outcome of Polk’s negotiations can be drawn from the text?

<p>Polk achieved all his demands through force. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

American Copyright Law (19th Century)

The United States lacked a law protecting foreign authors' copyrights in the 19th century.

19th Century America

The US, investing heavily in infrastructure (canals & railroads), was a nation reliant on borrowing.

Imperial Britain

Britain, with a well-established industry and government, served as a creditor nation.

Caroline Raiders

A sanctioned armed force in the 19th century, often involved in skirmishes.

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1833 British Abolition of Slavery

Britain outlawed slavery within its empire, causing tension with the US.

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Creole Slave Rebellion

Slaves on the American ship Creole rebelled and escaped to British territory.

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1891 Copyright Extension

Congress expanded copyright rights to foreign authors in that year.

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Charles Dickens

A famous British author, often mentioned in copyright disputes.

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Aroostook War

A small-scale conflict between the U.S. and Britain in the 1840s over the Maine border.

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Lord Ashburton

A British diplomat sent to resolve the Maine border dispute, who negotiated a compromise.

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Secretary Webster

U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated with Lord Ashburton in the 1840s to settle the Maine border issue.

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Maine border crisis

A dispute between the United States and Britain in the 1840s over the exact border between Maine and British North America.

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Texas-Mexico relations

Mexico viewed Texas as a breakaway province, threatening war if the US supported Texas independence.

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Texas's military

Texas was outnumbered and needed a strong military force to defend its independence.

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protectorate

A state or territory controlled by another state that provides defensive support.

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Oregon Fever

A surge in American migration to the Oregon Territory in the early 1840s.

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Joint Occupation

Agreement between US and Britain to allow both countries' citizens to live and settle in Oregon Territory.

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Anglo-American Convention of 1818

A treaty that aimed to divide Oregon territory at the 49th parallel between the US and Britain.

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Manifest Destiny

A belief that the US had a divine right to expand across the continent.

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James K. Polk

US President who focused on westward expansion

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Columbia River

A vital river in the Oregon Territory, coveted by Britain.

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Polk's Election

James K. Polk won the US presidential election in a close race, despite a significant part of the opposition votes going to the Liberty Party.

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Liberty Party

The small antislavery political party that attracted votes and affected the election results.

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Texas Annexation

The process of incorporating Texas into the United States.

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Walker Tariff

A bill that lowered average tariff rates in the US from 32% to 25%.

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Tariff of 1842

The original tariff law that the Walker Tariff reduced.

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Polk's Oregon objective

President Polk aimed to gain control of the Oregon Territory and reset the independent treasury system.

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British change of heart

British anti-expansionists, once opposed, supported the 49th parallel boundary.

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Walker Tariff

An 1846 tariff that successfully generated revenue during a period of economic prosperity and high imports.

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Independent Treasury

A financial system that the Whigs had abandoned but Polk successfully re-established in 1846 .

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British proposal of 49th parallel

Britain proposed the 49th parallel as a boundary between the US and British territories.

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British minister's rejection

The British minister in Washington abruptly refused the peace proposal.

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Oregon chessboard

The contested Oregon territory, with strategic moves by both US and British side.

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Polk's Compromise

A peaceful agreement between the US and Great Britain regarding territorial disputes, avoiding war.

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Senator Benton's View

Senator Benton believed Great Britain's power and Mexico's weakness could be leveraged in the US's favor.

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Oregon Treaty

1846 agreement with Britain, setting a compromise boundary; settling land dispute.

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Study Notes

Overview of Manifest Destiny

  • Manifest Destiny was a belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.
  • This belief fueled westward expansion and territorial acquisitions.

Key Figures and Events

  • John L. O'Sullivan: Coined the term "Manifest Destiny" in 1845, expressing the idea that the U.S. had a divinely ordained right to expand westward.
  • William Henry Harrison: Became President in 1841, but died a month later, leading to John Tyler becoming president.
  • John Tyler: Became president after Harrison's death. He was a controversial figure, often at odds with his own Whig party.
  • James K. Polk: Became president in 1845. His presidency was largely defined by the Mexican-American War.

The Oregon Country Dispute

  • The Oregon Country was a region of land that encompassed modern-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of British Columbia.
  • Both the United States and Britain claimed parts of the territory.
  • The issue was eventually settled by a compromise treaty, establishing the 49th parallel as the border.

The Mexican-American War

  • The causes of the war included the annexation of Texas and the dispute over the Texas-Mexico border.
  • This conflict was triggered by the U.S. desire to acquire California and other parts of the Southwest.
  • The U.S. was victorious and won many battles including Monterey and Buena Vista, culminating in the capture of Mexico City in 1847.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo formally ended the war in 1848, ceding California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming to the United States.

The Wilmot Proviso

  • The Wilmot Proviso was a proposed amendment to a bill that would have banned slavery in the newly acquired territories.
  • This amendment was never passed by Congress, but it highlighted the growing division over slavery in the United States.

The Californios

  • The Californios were Mexican residents of California.
  • They were displaced or assimilated into American culture after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

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