Manifest Destiny

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Manifest Destiny
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American Progress by John Gast, 1872
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Manifest Destiny

• First coined by newspaper editor, John
  OSullivan in 1845.
• ".... the right of our manifest destiny to over
  spread and to possess the whole of the
  continent which Providence has given us for
  the development of the great experiment of
  liberty and federaltive development of
  self-government entrusted to us. It is right
  such as that of the tree to the space of air
  and the earth suitable for the full expansion of
  its principle and destiny of growth."
• A myth of the West as a land of romance and
  adventure emerged.

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Maine Boundary Settlement, 1842
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Presidency of Tyler

• Took office after Harrison dies
• More of a Southern Democrat than a Whig
• Key issues
• tariff
• Bank Bill
• Try to impeach Tyler
• His entire cabinet resigns
• At end of termTyler arranges for Texas to be
  annexed by joint resolution!

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1844 Election

• Polk-(Dem) Darkhorse
• Vs. Clay(Whigs)
• ISSUES
• Texas
• Manifest Destiny
• 54 40 or fight Oregon Fever
• Polk wins!

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The Republic of Texas
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Overland Immigration to the West
Between 1840 and 1860, more than250,000 people
made the trekwestward
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Trails West
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Oregon Dispute 54-40 or fight
By the mid-1840s,Oregon Fever wasspurred on
by thepromise of free land
Britain agreed to 49 line
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The Bear Flag RevoltJune, 1845
Mexicos control of California is WeakCalifornia
is ready to be Part of the US!
John C. Fremont
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War with Mexico1846-8
The Slidell Mission Nov. 1845
Mexican recognition of the Rio Grande River as
the TX-US border. US would forgive American
citizensclaims against the Mexican govt. US
would purchase the New Mexicoarea for
5,000,000. US would take California at any
price.
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Wilmot Proviso

• Provided, territory from that, as an express
  and fundamental condition to the acquisition of
  any the Republic of Mexico by the United States,
  by virtue of any treaty which may be negotiated
  between them, and to the use by the Executive of
  the moneys herein appropriated, neither slavery
  nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in
  any part of said territory, except for crime,
  whereof the party shall first be duly convicted.

Wilmot Proviso never passed Through both houses
of Congress
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War with Mexico
On what spot was American blood shed on American
Soil? Abe Lincoln questioning Polks view of
the war as an attack by the Mexican troops
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Key People Battles

• General Winfield Scott-Vera Cruz to Mexico City
• General Zachary Taylor-Monterrey
• Gen. Kearney-Santa Fe trail to San Francisco

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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Mexico gave up claims to Texas above the Rio
  Grande River.
• Mexico gave the U. S. California and New Mexico.
• U. S. gave Mexico 15,000,000 and agreed to pay
  the claims of American citizens against
  Mexico(over 3,500,000).
• Basically forced on Mexico!

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Results of the War with Mexico

• The 17-month war cost 100,000,000 and
  13,000American lives (mostly of disease).
• New territories were brought into the Union which
  forced the explosive issue of SLAVERY to the
  center of national politics.
• These new territories would upset the balance of
  power between North and South.
• Poor relations with Mexico

• Brought in 1 million sq. mi. of land (incl. TX)
• Created two popular Whig generals who ran for
  President.
• Manifest Destiny partially realized.
• Gave experience to many military men for the
  Civil WarLee Grant
• Marine Corps-1st time used
• Improved military