Notes

Looking Westward
a)Manifest Destiny
i)Reflected pride of American nationalism + idealistic vision of social perfection that had fueled reform movements- US destined by God & history- to expand over a vast area that included North America.
ii)Extend liberty + US political system to others, but also racist justifications- superiority of “American” race, ppl of territories unfit for republican system
iii)By 1840s idea of Manifest Destiny had spread thru “penny press” (mass audience). Almost all but not everyone embraced- Henry Clay feared tension
b)Americans in Texas
i)1820s Mexican govt encouraged American immigration into Texas hoping to strengthen territory’s economy and increase tax revenues, buffer against Indians, would prevent US expansion- 1824 Mex bill offered cheap land
ii)Thousands took deal, land suitable for cotton, soon American population larger than Mexican. American intermediaries to Mex govt brought settlers- most famous Stephen Austin. Later attempts to stem US immigration failed
c)Tensions Between the United States and Mexico
i)Tension btwn US settlers and Mex govt grew b/c immigrants continued cultural + economic ties to US, also b/c desire to legalize slavery after it was outlawed in 1830
ii)Mid 1830s Mex General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna seized power as dictator- new law increased power of nat’l govt over state govts, Austin imprisoned. 1835 Mex sent more troops, 1836 Texans declared independence
iii)Santa Anna led large army into TX, Americans unorganized and easily defeated (Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio). Then General Sam Houston defeated Mexicans 1836 at Battle of San Jacinto, the captured Santa Anna signed treaty making TX independent. [MXs living in TX called tejanos]
iv)Texans wanted to be annexed by US, delegation sent to D.C. had expansionist support, but northerners feared large new slave state + empowering the south w/ more Congressional/electoral votes- incl. Andrew Jackson who feared sectional controversy, Pres Van Buren and Pres Harrison also ignored issue
v)TX sought allies in Eur who wanted to check US power, Pres Tyler sought TX to reapply for statehood 1844, rejected by Senateissue in 1844 election
d)Oregon
i)Both GB and US claimed sovereignty over Oregon region. 1818 treaty allowed citizens equal access to area-“joint occupation” for 20 yrs
ii)US interest grew 1820s/30s b/c desire to convert Indians and oppose Canadian Cath. Missionaries- native rejection Christianity=repudiating right to land
iii)Large amt of Americans began emigrating to Oregon early 1840s, soon outnumbered GB’s settlers, destroyed native pop. Mid-1840s desire for annex.
e)The Westward Migration
i)Growth of TX and Oregon population part of greater movement of population westward 1840-1860. Southerners went mainly to TX, largest numbers from Old Northwest – majority sought mainly new economic opportunity
ii)Some wanted riches after CA gold discovery 1848, others take advance of cheap land fed govt selling, others on religious mission (Mormons)
f)Life on the Trail
i)Most migrants gathered major depots in Iowa or MI, joined wagon trains led by hired guides. Main route Oregon Trail to CA + WA, others Santa Fe Trail
ii)Trip very difficult, especially in mountain and desert terrain. Fear of conflict w/ Indians (although very little fighting occurred), trade developed w/ Natives