Manifest destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the idea of providence giving them the right to do so. This expansion led to the acquisition of new land, including the Oregon Territory, Texas, and the Mexican Cession.
APUSH Unit 5 Notes
In their quest for expansion, Americans were driven by numerous motivations. These included the desire for land, mineral wealth, and religious freedom. The Preemption Acts allowed middle-class people to buy land they were squatting on, and the California Gold Rush provided a significant influx of mineral wealth. Additionally, religious motivations led Mormons to move to the Utah territory.
James K. Polk and the Texas Annexation
On the political front, James K. Polk, a Democrat, sought to gain full control of the Oregon Territory and Texas. Texas, although initially part of Mexico, had a significant American population. However, Mexico's requirement for the abolition of slavery and conversion to Roman Catholicism heightened tensions. The Texas Revolution in 1835 further exacerbated the situation.
Mexican-American War and Its Significance
The Mexican-American War was a turning point in United States history. President Polk's aggressive actions led to the occupation of disputed territory and eventually to war in 1846. The US emerged victorious, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty established the Rio Grande as the border of Texas and gave America most of the modern-day SW and California, a region known as the Mexican Cession. The Gadsden Purchase obtained the land necessary for a southern transcontinental railroad and sought to resolve post-war conflicts.
Impact of Slavery on Territorial Expansion
The issue of slavery played a significant role in the territorial expansion during this period. The Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to prohibit the expansion of slavery into territories acquired from Mexico, did not pass. The North, including the Free Soiler Party and abolitionists, took a stand against slavery, while others, such as those who supported Popular Sovereignty, believed that states should decide for themselves whether to allow slavery.
Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act
The Compromise of 1850 brought California into the Union as a free state, but it also included a harsher Fugitive Slave Act. This act outraged northerners and abolitionists, leading to a political crisis and decreased loyalty. Additionally, the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott case further exacerbated tensions over slavery.
Influence of Slavery on Political and Social Factors
The impact of slavery extended beyond politics, affecting social and economic aspects as well. The controversial Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, for example, created significant unrest and raised awareness about the issue of slavery. This was further compounded by the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott case.
With the issues of slavery, territorial expansion, and external conflicts defining the period from 1844 to 1877, the United States faced numerous challenges and transformations that shaped the nation's future. From the acquisition of new territories to debates over the expansion of slavery, these events significantly impacted the course of American history. Therefore, it is essential to understand the complexities and significance of this historical period in order to comprehend the dynamics of American society and politics today.
