CH. 13The Impending Crisis

JOHN L. O’SULLIVAN, DEMOCRATIC REVIEW 1845“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 and federative self government entrusted to us. It is a right such as that of the tree to the space of air and earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth.”

MANIFEST DESTINY Manifest Destiny- It was the USA’s

divine right to expand their lands across North America.

Superiority of the “American race” (white people)

Many views on manifest destiny

Why was it a potential for disaster???

EXPANSION IN TEXASUS GAVE AWAY TEXAS IN WHAT

TREATY?

Mexico wins its independence from Spain in 1823.

Mexico gives land grants to draw people to Texas.

Stephen Austin brings in 300 families to Texas.

ISSUES BEGIN WITH TEXAS

Problem: Mexico forces immigrants to convert to Roman Catholicism and outlawed slavery.

Solution: Immigrants refuse, Mexico closes border.

Problem: Americans continue to go anyways

Solution: New General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna enforces Mexican laws.

Problem: Sam Houston and others revolt and declare Texas an independent republic.

CONTINUED ISSUES

Santa Anna attacked the Alamo in San Antonio killing all of the American defenders

Battle of San Jacinto River, Americans surprise attack with Sam Houston and capture Santa Anna.

Force Santa Anna to sign a treaty for Texas’s independence.

Mexican legislature denies the treaty.

ANNEXATION DENIED Sam Houston applies for U.S government

to annex(add) Texas.

Jackson and Van Buren deny (feared political opposition)

John Tyler tried but Senate rejected it.

MAINE

Maine- Hard to define the boundaries and led to a territory dispute.

Conflict called the Aroostook War “battle of maps”

US Secretary of State: Daniel Webster & British ambassador Lord Alexander Ashburton make the Webster-Ashburton treaty of 1842.

Split the disputed territory between Maine and British Canada and Minnesota territory.

OREGONBritain vs. US again

Britain claimed Oregon theirs (controlled fur trade there)

US claimed Oregon based on the Lewis and Clark Expeditions.

ELECTION OF 1844Major issues: Slavery, Oregon, and Texas

Candidates for Democrat party:-Martin Van Buren (Opposed annexation) -John C. Calhoun (Proslavery,

proannexation)-James. K Polk(dark horse) Expansion and

manifest destiny. Democrats pick Polk.

ElectionPolk Democrat Party vs. Henry Clay

Whig

JAMES POLK BECOMES THE 11TH PRESIDENT Polk was firm in taking Oregon and

Texas.Slogan (Fifty-four Forty or Fight!)

Henry Clay flip flopped and lost followers

James Polk wins and Democrats believe this is fate to acquire Texas.

ANNEXING TEXAS AND OREGON John Tyler got both houses of Congress

to pass a joint resolution for annexation. Leaves Polk to deal with consequences.Oregon- Polk compromises with

Britain. Divide Oregon between US and Britain at

the 49th parallel.

WAR WITH MEXICO Annexation angers Mexico Polk sends John Slidell to Mexico City to1) Persuade Mexico to sell California and

New Mexico territories2) Settle dispute of Mexico-Texas

Slidell fails.

CAUSES FOR WAR WITH MEXICO Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to

move his army toward the Rio Grande. April 24 1846 Mexico sends army across

Rio Grande and attacks American army patrol.

Polk ask Congress for war. Northern Whigs oppose (Lincoln) Congress approves the war.

FIGHTING AND END OF WAR Most fighting is in Mexican territory US fights with small numbers of armies. US straight dominate and eventually

capture Mexico City in 1847.Consequences:

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo- Mexican Cession 1848.

1) Mexico would recognize the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas.

2) The US takes California and New Mexico for $15 million.

MAP RESULTS OF MEXICAN WAR

ISSUES: WAR WITH MEXICO Congressman David Wilmot proposed a

bill (Wilmot Proviso) to end slavery in new territories.

Passes the House twice but fails to pass in Senate.

HUGE tension arises over this issue. Potential prelude to the Civil

War!!!!!!!!!