Heimler's History: Unit 5, Topic 2 Overview

Time Period: 1844-1877

Key Topic: Manifest Destiny

• Definition: The belief that Americans had a God-given right to expand from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
  • Coined by newspaper editor John O'Sullivan in July 1845.
  • Underpinned by two beliefs:
    • Goal: Possess the whole continent "sea to shining sea".
    • Providence: Belief that God (Providence) granted this destiny.
• Expansion Beyond the Continent: Later ideas included expansion into the Pacific and Caribbean islands.

Reasons for Westward Expansion

1. Access to Resources:
   • Discovery of gold in California (1848) initiated the California Gold Rush.
   • Subsequent gold and silver findings in Colorado, Dakotas, Nevada.
2. Economic and Homesteading Opportunities:
   • Preemption Acts (1830s-1840s): Made land available cheaply.
   • Attracted primarily the middle class due to travel costs.
3. Religious Refuge:
   • Mormons fled Midwest persecution and settled in Utah.
   • Continued migration of Mormons for about 20 years, totaling around 70,000.

Manifest Destiny in Politics: James K. Polk (Election of 1844)

• Belief in Manifest Destiny: Aimed to annex Texas and Oregon.
• Texas:
  • Settled by Americans since 1820s, more Americans than Mexicans by 1830.
  • Mexico's laws: Convert to Catholicism and outlaw slavery, which were ignored by Americans.
  • Texas declared independence in 1836 under Sam Houston.
  • Tensions led to the Battle of San Jacinto.
  • Dispute over Texas recognition with Mexico.
• Oregon:
  • Competing claims by British and Americans.
  • Settlement by American missionaries and farmers exceeded British presence.
• California: Included in Polk's expansion goals.

Annexation Efforts

• Texas:
  • Annexed during John Tyler's presidency before Polk took office.
  • Led to tensions with Mexico, foreshadowing war.
• Oregon:
  • Agreement with British divided territory at the 49th parallel.

Next Topics

• Upcoming video to cover the war consequences of Texas' annexation with Mexico.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use Heimler's review packet for AP U.S. History exam preparation.
• Call to subscribe and continue the expansion of Heimler's History on YouTube.