Manifest Destiny Amsco Chapter12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUXjfYFwgZo Away, away all these cobweb issues of the rights of discovery, exploration, settlement… [the American claim] is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty. -John L. O’Sullivan, Democratic Review, 1845 TEXAS CONFLICT -- The US and Mexico – 1823 Prior to Texas Independence Texas • 1820s – Stephen Austin – leads US Settlers into TX • 1829 - Mexico outlawed slavery, made Catholicism official religion – settlers “revolt” --Mexico closes border to US immigrants • 1834 Gen. Santa Anna dictator of Mexico – “Enforcement” • 1836 – Sam Houston leads revolt & Declares Independence • Key Battles: Goliad, The Alamo, San Jacinto http://www.history.com/topics/alamo Texas Revolution • Sam Houston-Com. Of TX Army, then 1st President of Republic • 40k US Vols help • 1838 – TX Reps go to France & England for recognition – got it in 1839 & 40 • Sam Houston, Pres of the Rep of TX, requests annexation to US back to AJ & VB who delay (1828– would throw off slave/free balance • Pres. Tyler pushes for it, worried ab British influence; but Senate DENIES in 1844 (election year) • BUT Tyler manipulates the system thru Congress to pass it. Aroostook War in MAINE • Problem: Treaty of Paris didn’t define US/Brit borders well between Maine & New Brunswick • Aroostook River Valley in disputed area, fighting by lumberjacks break out – 1842 • Webster-Ashburton Treaty, 1842 settled the disputed boundary (Daniel Webster, Sec of St & Brit Amb. Lord Alexander Ashburtn) Review • What treaty settled the border between Maine and British Canada? • Who was the “Dark Horse” Candidate of 1844? • What does “54-40 or Fight!” refer to? What was the outcome? Election of 1844 Oregon = Manifest Destiny belief, also want CA Dem Party split: N (led by VBuren) AGAINST TX annexation, S (led by Calhoun) FOR. Deadlock @ Convention James K. Polk “Dark Horse”– pro-expansionist Southern democrat VS. Whig Henry Clay “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!!” – When Polk wins, Tyler, in last days in office, ushers in TX as a state, passes in 1845 (28th state) Oregon – US vs. UK • US – claim: • Adams-Onis Treaty, 1819 • Prior discoveries • OR Fur Trading Post • Brits – claim via Hudson Fur Co • 1844 Election Issue • “54-40 or fight!” • James K. Polk Mexican War Causes: -Annexation of TX, passes 1845 -Slidell to Mexico City -Attack @ Rio Grande Apr 1846 Congress Declares War. 1st “Foreign War” by US Troops Zac Taylor & Gen Winfield Scott Scott captures Mexico City in Sept 1847 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848 (Incl. Mexican Cession) Wilmot Proviso – attempt in ‘46 to prevent slavery in land from Mexico – defeated by Dem. Senate The evils of war must fall upon the people, and with them the war-feeling should originate. We, their representatives, are but a mirror to reflect the light, and never should become a torch to fire the pile. Who said this? Speech in Congress, 1846 Southern Destiny • Ostend Manifesto – Polk & Pres. Pierce (’52) attempt to buy, take, and buy Cuba from Spain. Angered antislavery supporters • Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, 1850 – US & UK over canal rights in C. America to share. (overruled 1901 by HayPauncefote Treaty – gave US rights) • Gadsden Purchase, 1853 – Pierce wanted land for Southern Transcontinental RR, bought from Mexico for $10mil. San Diego / Tijuana Border today Gadsden Purchase http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn2FzuPyFlY America the Story of Us “Westward” (46 mins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrD7JO40II&lis t=PLIhqfbAUYfDGhsZI06cp44QzXF3j9KMsh