Lecture Notes: The Pig War and Boundary Dispute between the US and Britain

Introduction

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American Independence and Expansion

• Post-Revolutionary War, the US gained independence and sought westward expansion.
• Conflicts arose as the land was already inhabited by various groups.
• The US was granted land out west in the Treaty of Paris.
• Benjamin Franklin showed interest in acquiring Canadian territories.

Early US-British Border Agreements

• The initial border was based on inaccurate maps, leading to confusion.
• The War of 1812 ended in a stalemate, necessitating revised border talks.
• A straight line was drawn along the 49th parallel up to the Rockies.
• Beyond the Rockies, both the US and Britain claimed the Oregon Territory.

Manifest Destiny

• Belief that Americans were destined by God to expand across the continent.
• The term "Manifest Destiny" was later coined to describe this belief.
• Both the US and Britain had interests in controlling western territories.

The Joint Occupation of Oregon

• Britain and the US agreed to jointly occupy the disputed Northwestern territories.
• Conflicts emerged over resource control, particularly the fur trade.

The Pig War

• Tensions escalated over San Juan Island, claimed by both countries.
• Americans began settling the island, leading to conflicts with British settlers.
• Lyman Cutler shot a British-owned pig, intensifying the dispute.

Military Escalation

• General William S. Harney ordered American troops to occupy the island.
• Captain George Pickett set up camp, a provocative action towards the British.
• Both nations sent naval forces, but neither side wanted to start a war.

Resolution and Arbitration

• Rear Admiral Baynes and General Winfield Scott worked to deescalate tensions.
• A joint military occupation was established, with forces from both sides.
• The boundary dispute was eventually submitted to international arbitration.
• Germany was chosen to decide, ruling in favor of the US.

Aftermath and Significance

• The British troops left the island in 1872.
• The incident is known as "The Pig War," with only one casualty - the pig.
• Highlighted the importance of diplomacy and arbitration in international disputes.

Speculative Thoughts

• The video humorously speculates on what could have happened if the US invaded Canada.
• Concepts of manifest destiny and current US-Canada relations are playfully explored.