1) Manifest Destiny referred to the belief that American expansion westward across North America was both justified and inevitable due to its exceptional values and democratic principles. 2) The United States acquired large territories through treaties and annexation in the first half of the 19th century, including the Louisiana Purchase and annexation of Texas, intensifying sectional tensions over the expansion of slavery. 3) The Mexican-American War broke out in 1846 over a border dispute in Texas, resulting in the U.S. acquiring vast new territories in the West, including California and New Mexico, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

1. Manifest Destiny and Expansion AP U.S. History

2. Manifest Destiny Coined in 1844-American was “destined” to expand westward and spread ideas and beliefs. Louisiana Purchase Oregon Country-Oregon fever Adams-Onis Treaty Texas Question Republic of Mexico since 1822, following revolution Mexico refused to sell territory to the U.S.

3. Texas Dispute Mexico invited immigration from the U.S. Offered land grants to Americans Stephen Austin Mexico eventually tightens immigration and increases taxes. Texans responded by declaring independence Mexican dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna annihilated Texans at the Alamo. Sam Houston defeated him and Mexico was forced to let go of Texas. Annexation did not occur because of fear of war and the issue of slavery.

4. New Mexico and California New Mexico had encouraged immigration Santa Fe Trail- trade and settlements Most of territory lay south of Missouri Compromise line, therefore it was in potential slave holding territory. Many slaves transported to this region. Sectional Stress! Democrats wanted to use force to expand Whigs favored diplomacy

5. Harrison and Tyler William Henry Harrison relied on Henry Clay as an advisor. Died of pneumonia one month into his term. Replaced by Vice President John Tyler. Tyler=states' rights Southerner and a strict constitutionalist who had been placed on the Whig ticket to draw Southern votes. Tyler rejected entire Whig program of a national bank, high protective tariffs, and federal internal improvements. Clay would try to pass them through-Vetoed by Tyler.

6. Webster-Ashburton Treaty Daniel Webster stayed in the cabinet to settle disputes with Great Britain. Canada-Maine Boundary Caroline Affair Creole incident Prevention of slave-smuggling Helped create an atmosphere of compromise in the U.S. -British relations.

7. Tyler's Policies Texas Issue Wanted annexation Pres. Sam Houston began to make ties with Britain “ manifest destiny to overspread the continent” John L. O'Sullivan Election of 1844 Democrats picked James K. Polk “ Jacksonian” Favored expansion, including annexation of Texas Oregon “Fifty-four forty or fight!” Whigs chose Clay-wavered on expansion Many Northerners joined the Liberty Party (Birney)

8. War with Mexico American interest had grown in Mexican lands California, New Mexico, etc. Mexico's ineffective government was unable to protect the lives and property of American settlers. Disputes over territory (Texas) John Slidell-sent to Mexico to make negotiations and pay for land Polk sent General Zachary Taylor to the disputed territory-attacked by Mexican troops-Declared war on May 13, 1846.

9. Mexican War Americans divided “ Three-pronged attack” John C. Fremont-Bear Flag Revolt Despite outstanding American success, Mexico refused to negotiate. General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City losing only 20 American lives. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo Nicholas Trist

10. Terms of Treaty Mexico ceded territory originally sought by Polk for a price $$$ 15 Mil. U.S. gained harbors at San Francisco and San Diego. Polk felt that the treaty was FAR to generous! Senate approved and ratified. Some U.S. citizens protested the war and refused to pay taxes. Brings slavery issue to surface once again.