Manifest Destiny - The idea that the United States was destined by God to spread to the Pacific
Ocean.
Squatters - People who moved to the Great Plains and settled in lands they did not own.
Pre-emption act - This law allowed squatters to purchase up to 160 acres before the land went up to
public auction.
Oregon Trail - The most famous trail that led to Oregon
Treaty of Fort Laramie - A treaty signed in 1851 that ensured the peace between the Plains Indians
and the U.S.
Tejanos - A group of Spanish speaking people who live in northern Mexico now the area of Texas.
Stephen Austin - A man who moved to Mexican owned Texas in 1821, he later became republic of
Texas's Secretary of State.
Impresarios - Agents who contracted with the Mexican government to bring a certain number of
people for a land grant.
Santa Anna - President/dictator of Mexico led many attacks on the Republic of Texas and the U.S.
The Alamo - A Spanish mission turned into a fortress used by the Texans to fend off the Mexicans for
13 days until all combatants were killed.
Sam Houston - The president of the Republic of Texas for 10 years he also attacked the Mexican army
when they were sleeping in the Jacinto River, and won.
James K. Polk - Democratic POTUS, asked congress to commence war with Mexico vowed to continue
Manifest Destiny.
Rio Grande - The River that the U.S. thought was the border with Mexico.
Nueces River - The river that Mexico thought was the border with U.S.
Jose Joaquin Herrera - New president of Mexico who did not like U.S at all.
Zachary Taylor - Led troops across the Nueces River to provoke the Mexican War, defeated Mexicans
at Monterrey, Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma. (aka Old Rough and Ready)
Bear Flag Republic - Californians revolted in 1846 just north of San Francisco against Mexican rule and
formed their own republic.
Winfield Scott - Attacked Mexico City by sailing through the Gulf of Mexico to Veracruz and then
marched overland to Mexico City.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo - Treaty that ended the Mexican War, granting the U.S. control of Texas,
New Mexico, and California in exchange for $15 million