Heimler’s History: Unit 5 - AP U.S. History (1844-1877)

Introduction

• Focus on westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny.
• Time period: 1844-1877
• Key idea: Manifest Destiny - the belief in the God-given right for America to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.

Manifest Destiny

• Term coined by John O’Sullivan in July 1845.
• Definition:
  • Goal: Possess the whole continent.
  • Justification: Providence (God) granted this destiny.

Reasons for Westward Expansion

1. Access to Resources:

   • Discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to the California Gold Rush.
   • Additional gold and silver found in Colorado, the Dakotas, and Nevada.

2. Economic and Homesteading Opportunities:

   • Preemption Acts (1830s, 1840s) made land cheap for settlers.
   • Primarily middle-class migration due to cost.

3. Religious Refuge:

   • Mormons moved to Utah Territory to escape persecution (notably for polygamy).
   • Approximately 70,000 Mormons migrated over twenty years.

Manifest Destiny in Politics

• James K. Polk's Presidency (1844):
  • Advocate for Manifest Destiny.
  • Desired annexation of Texas and Oregon.

Texas

• Background:

  • American settlement since the 1820s while Texas belonged to Mexico.
  • Settlers predominantly southern, Protestant, and slave-owning.

• Mexican Laws:

  • Conversion to Roman Catholicism and outlawing slavery were required.
  • Americans ignored these laws, causing tension.

• Rebellion:

  • Texans, led by Sam Houston, declared independence in 1836.
  • The Alamo: Mexican victory, but Texans captured the Mexican general at San Jacinto, forcing a treaty.
  • Mexican government did not recognize Texas independence.

• Statehood Complications:

  • Annexation rejected by Presidents Jackson and Van Buren.
  • John Tyler's attempt failed in the Senate.

Oregon Territory

• Competing Claims:

  • British: Established fur trade and settlements.
  • Americans: Growing number of missionaries and settlers.

• Resolution:

  • Polk's election seen as a mandate for annexation.
  • Oregon Treaty with Britain, dividing at the 49th parallel.

Conclusion

• Polk’s actions led to further conflict with Mexico, hinting at the Mexican-American War.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more history insights.

These notes outline the key points of the lecture on westward expansion and the political implications of Manifest Destiny during the mid-19th century in the United States. Use these as a study aid for understanding the motivations and consequences of this period.