America's Embrace of Expansionism (1830-1850)

Overview

• Expansionism was used by America to avoid addressing sectionalism, particularly the issue of slavery.
• Manifest Destiny: Concept emerging in the 1840s, justifying America's westward expansion as a right and destiny.
• Expansionism involved encroaching on lands occupied by Native Americans and others.

Indian Removal

• Andrew Jackson's Presidency: Encouraged westward expansion and Indian removal.
  • Supported Georgia's Indian removal laws despite treaties with Native tribes.
• Worcester v. Georgia (1832): Supreme Court ruled Georgia's laws invalid, affirming treaties with Cherokee.
  • Defined Native Americans as a "domestic dependent nation."
• Trail of Tears: Forced relocation of Cherokee to Oklahoma, resulting in significant loss of life.

Texas and American Settlement

• Texas Colonization: Encouraged by Mexico; settlers brought slaves, which conflicted with Mexican laws.
• Texas Independence (1836): Prompted by Santa Anna's dictatorship and various grievances.
  • Texans, both American and Mexican, pushed for independence.
  • Famous battle at the Alamo.
• Annexation of Texas (1845): Tied to U.S. gaining control of Oregon, influenced by James Polk's presidency.

Oregon Territory

• Disputed area between England and the U.S.; settled due to American migration.

Mormon Migration

• Mormons: Religious group seeking refuge in the West, settled in Utah (then Mexican-controlled territory).

Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

• Causes: Dispute over Texas's southern border (Rio Grande vs. Nueces River).
  • Polk's military actions provoked Mexican response.
• Objectives: Secure California and New Mexico.
• Outcomes:
  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848): U.S. gains vast territories.
  • U.S. compensates Mexico with $15 million.
  • Sets Rio Grande as Texas's southern border.
  • Impacted U.S.-Mexico relations and military training for future Civil War leaders.

Conclusion

• Expansionism delayed addressing sectionalism and slavery.
• Set the stage for future conflicts and territorial changes in the U.S.