Period 5 - 1844-1877

• What was the term used to describe the westward expansion of Americans in the 19th century?

  Manifest Destiny
• Why was westward expansion appealing to Americans at the end of the 18th century?

  It offered access to new land and resources.
• Who coined the term "Manifest Destiny"?

  John Sullivan
• What did John Sullivan claim about Manifest Destiny?

  Americans had a God-given right to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
• What were the practical reasons for Manifest Destiny?

  • Need for access to mineral and natural resources
  • Economic and homesteading opportunities
  • Religious refuge for persecuted groups
• What significant event in 1848 contributed to westward migration?

  The California Gold Rush
• What were the Preemption Acts of the 1830s and 1840s?

  They made land available for purchase and homesteading.
• Who primarily migrated westward during this period?

  The middle class
• Why did Mormons migrate to the Utah territory?

  They sought refuge from persecution over polygamy.
• Who became the 11th US President in 1844?

  James K. Polk
• What was Polk's stance on Manifest Destiny?

  He was a strong proponent and wanted to add Texas and Oregon.
• When did Americans start settling in Texas?

  Since the 1820s
• What were the two requirements set by the Mexican government for American immigrants in Texas?

  Convert to Roman Catholicism and outlaw slavery.
• What was the outcome of the Alamo for American defenders?

  They were all killed by Mexican forces.
• Who led the Texas revolt against Mexico?

  Sam Houston
• What was the result of the Battle of San Jacinto?

  Houston's army defeated the Mexicans and captured their general.
• Did Mexico recognize Texas's claim to independence?

  No, Mexico did not recognize it.
• What dilemma did Texas face after claiming independence?

  Texas applied for statehood in the US, causing a dilemma due to potential war with Mexico.
• What was the Oregon Territory claimed by?

  Both the US and Britain
• Why did Jackson and Van Buren avoid Texas annexation?

  They feared a war with Mexico.
• What was the outcome of the 1846 Oregon Treaty?

  The Oregon Territory was divided at the 49th parallel.
• Who made an agreement with the British concerning Oregon?

  John Tyler
• What was Texas's status before the Mexican-American War?

  Texas became an independent nation separate from Mexico
• Why did Texas seek annexation by the United States?

  To avoid inciting a war between the US and Mexico
• Which US Presidents did not carry through with the annexation of Texas?

  Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, and Tyler
• Who was the 11th US President and what was his stance on Manifest Destiny?

  James K Polk was a big proponent of Manifest Destiny
• What did John Tyler do regarding Texas annexation?

  He led the process to annex Texas
• What was the purpose of Polk sending John Slidell to Mexico City?

  To ask Mexico to sell more land to the US
• What territories did Slidell ask Mexico to sell to the US?

  New Mexico and California
• What was the disagreement regarding the southern border of Mexico?

  Mexico claimed it was the Nueces River, while the US claimed it was the Rio Grande
• What action did Polk order American troops to take in 1836?

  To pass the Nueces River and station themselves by the Rio Grande
• What happened when American troops met Mexican troops at the Rio Grande?

  A conflict emerged, resulting in the death of 11 Americans
• When did Congress agree to the Mexican-American War?

  On May 13, 1846
• What was the outcome of the Mexican-American War for American forces?

  They gained enough ground to claim California and New Mexico Territories
• Who led the US forces that conquered and occupied Mexico City?

  General Winfield Scott
• What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo establish?

  It established the Rio Grande as the southern border for Texas
• What was the Mexican Cession?

  Mexico ceded California and New Mexico to the US for $15 million
• What was the Gadsden Purchase?

  The US paid Mexico $10 million for a small pocket of land
• What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on Mexico's territory?

  Mexico lost half its territory to the US
• What was the Wilmot Proviso proposed by Congressman David Wilmot?

  It aimed to prevent any land gained in the war from being open to slavery