H U.S. History | Unit 5

• Who coined the phrase of "manifest destiny"?

  Newspaper editor John O'Sullivan in 1845.
• What does "manifest destiny" mean?

  The 19th century belief that America would inevitably expand westward to the Pacific Ocean and Mexican Territory.
• What are the three major reasons Americans moved west?

  . Many Americans hand personal economic problems (Panic of 1837).

  . Abundance of land in the west was enticing to those who wanted a "fresh start."

  . Land owning (for farming or speculation) was an important step towards prosperity.
• Who was most likely to move west?

  . Farmers

  . Miners (seeking gold and other precious ore)

  . Merchants (seeking new markets)
• How many went westward between 1840 - 1860?

  250,000+ went westward
• What was the original purpose of the Oregon Trail?

  To set up missionary schools to:

  . Convert Native Americans to Christianity

  . To civilize
• Where did the Oregon Trail start and end?

  Began in Independence, Missouri, and ended in Portland, Oregon
• Who had followed a similar route to the Oregon Trail?

  Lewis and Clark
• What were some of the hazards of the Oregon Trail?

  . Trip took months

  . Many people walked, pushing heavy handcarts

  . People died from fever, cholera, diarrhea, and were buried alongside the trail.

  . Caravans were attacked by Native Americans

  . Many suffered from loneliness and despair
• What does the painting suggest about the Oregon Trail?


  That the trail was lovely and it was a wonderful experience.

  
• What happened to the Donner Party?

  Only 45/83 of them survived. They had to act upon cannibalism (they cannibalATE) to survive in the 5-feet of snow they encountered.
• What are Mormons?

  A religious community based on Christianity which was formed by Joseph Smith in 1827. Also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
• Why did the Mormons migrate west?

  They were forced to because angry neighbors protested polygamy.
• What happened to their leader?

  He was arrested and charged for treason when he broke the printing press of high neighbors who printed about their practices. Anti-Mormon mob kills Smith and his brother.
• Who takes over as leader?

  Bringham Young
• Where does he lead them to?

  Near the Great Salt Lake in present-day Utah.
• What caused the Aroostook War?

  The expulsion of Canadian lumberjacks in the disputed area of Aroostook by Maine officials.
• What resulted from the Webster-Ashburton Treay?

  Maine Boundary Settlement.

  
• Why were President Jackson and Van Buren hesitant to add Texas as a state to the United States?


  It would upset Northern voters who didn't want another slave state added.
• Which two countries had a claim on the Oregon Territory?

  The United States and Britain
• What was the major question concerning the Oregon Territory?


  Which country does the territory belong to?
• What issue caused debate over the expansion of the United States? Why?

  Slavery caused debate because the North wanted to see Oregon added (free state) + Southerners wanted Texas (slave state). North didn't want TX and vice versa.
• Why did John Tyler run for re-election as a Democrat in 1848?

  Because he had been disowned by the Whig party and wanted to add Texas and Oregon.
• Why did the Democrats choose James Polk as their candidate instead of Tyler?

  Because he pleases both the North and the South with his agenda of adding both Texas and Oregon.
• Who is Polk's opponent in 1848? What party is he from? Who wins?

  Henry Clay from the Whig party. Polk won.
• Why was James Polk popular in both the North and the South?

  Texas was annexed by the U.S. in 1845. Oregon is added to the U.S. by the Buchanan-Pakenham Treaty.

  
• Why did Polk not want war with Britain over Oregon?

  He feared war over disputed territory with Mexico.
• How was the Oregon Territory divided between the U.S. and Britain?

  Using the Webster-Ashburton Treay drawn on the 49th parallel.

  
• What territory was disputed between the U.S. and Mexico?

  Territory that was originally part of Texas Territory.
• Why does the U.S. realize war is the only option against Mexico?


  Mexico refused to meet with the advisor of the negotiation deal.
• What general was able to lead troops deep into Mexico?


  General Zachary Taylor.
• What is the name of the peace treaty that the Mexicans are forced to sign?

  The Mexican Cession.
• What discovery was made in California in 1848?

  Gold is discovered.
• What resulted after the discovery?

  A massive migration of miners to California in 1849.
• What was the overall effect on California?

  400,000 people traveled to California.
• Who was Texas originally settled by?

  Native Americans (lived there for thousands of years).
• What country claimed the territory in the 1500s? Why did they eventually decide to settle Texas?

  Spain; to protect the territory from French settlement (1600s).
• What did the Spanish build throughout Texas? Why? Why was it unsuccessful?

  They built Christian missions to "educate and civilize" the Native Americans. Native Americans disliked the Spanish + refused to participate.
• In 1800, how many settlements did Spain have in Texas?

  Only three settlements, not much interest in Texas
• Who made the deal with Spain to colonize Texas? What happened to him? Who had to take over?

  (In exchange for land) Moses Austin, who died shortly after the deal; his son Stephen took over. Austin had over 300 families in his colony.