2/27/2014
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny and
the U.S.-Mexican War
Term originated by
newspaper editor
John O’Sullivan in
1845
Merging of political
and economic goals
Many people
supported expansion
through any means
necessary
Election of 1844
James K. Polk - Democrat
“Dark horse” candidate
Congressman from
Tennessee
Supported manifest destiny
Annex Texas as a slave state
Oregon Territory
Territory split at the
49th parallel to
avoid war with
Great Britain
Used the existing
border and drew it
to the Pacific
Ocean
One of Polk’s campaign
slogans – “Fifty-four
forty or fight!”
Occupy Oregon to the 54°
40’ parallel
Texas Annexation
Northerners opposed
annexation of Texas
Annexation by a jointresolution passed in the
U.S. Congress in Dec.
1845
Border dispute ensues
U.S. – Rio Grande River
Mexico – Nueces River
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Relations with Mexico
Polk sent diplomat John
Slidell to Mexico to
negotiate
Offered $25 million for
California, the New Mexico
territory, & Rio Grande as
the Texas border
General Zachary
Taylor order to march
beyond the Nueces
River
President of Mexico
refused and broke off
diplomatic relations
Camped at the Rio Grande
In April 1846, Mexican
soldiers crossed the
Rio Grande River &
attacked
Polk’s Appeal to Congress
Polk and his cabinet saw the
attack as an act of war
“…invaded our country and shed
American blood on American soil.”
Congress declared war on May 11,
1846
Northerners called it American
aggression against a weaker
neighbor to extend slavery
Gen. Taylor invaded
northern Mexico
General Winfield
Scott invaded Mexico
City from the Gulf of
Mexico
Illinois congressman Lincoln claimed
the spot was clearly in Mexico
War in the West
Gen. Stephen
Kearny marched
west and captured
Santa Fe, and
supported revolt in
California
John C. Fremont
leads the Bear Flag
Revolt by Americans
in California
Treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo
End of the war
Signed at Basilica of
Guadalupe at Villa
Hidalgo
Rio Grande is the southern
border of the U.S.
Mexico recognized Texas as
part of the U.S.
Paid $15 million for
California and New Mexico
territory
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Completion of Manifest Destiny
Anti-slavery
Democrats
formed this
party
Because of Polk’s failing health
and because he had accomplished
all he wanted in one term, he did
not seek reelection
Southerners
desired a flat land
for a southern
transcontinental
railroad
Wanted to link
southern land to the
Pacific
Gadsden Purchase
In 1853, purchased
from Mexico for $10
million dollars
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