Westward Expansion and

War1790-1860

Manifest Destiny

Newspaper editor John O’Sullivan claimed, it is ‘our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.’ (1845)

The Spanish West and Southwest

Early 1800s, Spain controls much of North America

Spanish colonists and Indians living togethero Tejanoso Native Americanso Mestizos

Which group of people held the highest status in society?

Mexican Independence 1810: poor American Indians and mestizos revolt

against Spanish rule o Leader- Miguel Hidalgo, Mexican Catholic Priest

• Killed in 1811o Fighting to: abolish slavery, end unfair taxes, take from

rich and give to poor 1821: Mexico wins Independence from Spain 1824: Constitution drafted, Mexico became arepublic

What is a republic?

“GTT” Mexico wants settlers in Texas

o Few Tejanos (Spanish settlers in Texas) o Fear of American Indian attacks

Empresarios- agents paid to bring American settlers to Texaso Promise of free or cheap lando 20,000 Americans by 1834 (Gone to Texas!) o Requirements:

• Become Mexican citizens• Obey Mexican laws• Support the Catholic Church

Population shift and worries! o 25,000 Americans vs. 4,000 Tejanos (1830)

• 1829- slavery banned in Mexico When people move to a new country, should they be required to follow the laws?

The Texas Revolution Stephen F. Austin (empresario 1822): 1833, Austin

petitions for self-governmento Jailed o 1 ½ years later… released and starts a revolution

1833-General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- elected president of Mexico

Battles: o Gonzaleso Alamo (“Remember the Alamo!”) 1836

• Old Spanish mission • 189 Texans vs. 3000 Mexicans• 13 day stand off

o Declaration of Independence!

How might the story of the Alamo affect public opinion of this conflict?

The Republic of Texas Sam Houston elected President Andrew Jackson recognizes Texas as independent

nation, 1837o No war or new slave state- NO ANNEXATION

Population boomed in 1830s and 1840s Slavery was legal 1844- Texas and Mexico sign peace treaty

What are the unresolved issues of this conflict?