Week 10 Video Lecture 2: Manifest Destiny

Introduction

• Focus on James K. Polk's presidency and territorial expansion.

James K. Polk's Presidency

• Election: Defeated Henry Clay; seen as a surprise due to Polk's underestimated political status.
• Nickname: 'Young Hickory' (compared to Andrew Jackson 'Old Hickory').
• Characteristics: Humorless, dogmatic, worked relentlessly, died at 54.
• Annexation Strategy: Aimed to annex Texas and Oregon to maintain balance of slave/free states, risking war with England and Mexico.

Texas Annexation

• John Tyler's Role: Tyler pushed for annexation in his presidency's final months, claiming Polk's election was a mandate.
• Outcome: Texas entered the Union on December 29, 1845.

Oregon Territory

• Shared with England: Expansionists demanded 'all of Oregon or none'.
• British Response: Avoided war due to profitable trade with the US.

Mexican-American War

• Beginnings: Disputes over Texas' independence and the Rio Grande boundary.
• Polk's Desire for War: To solidify expansion and gain wartime president status.
  • Incident: Mexican army attacked near Rio Grande; Polk claimed it was on American soil.
• Congressional Approval: War declared on May 13, 1846.

Opposition and Controversy

• Abraham Lincoln: Introduced 'spot resolution' questioning Polk's claims.
• Henry David Thoreau: Opposed the war and slavery; jailed for refusing to pay poll tax, inspiring 'Civil Disobedience'.

War Efforts

• Volunteer Issues: Undisciplined volunteers committed atrocities against Mexican civilians.
• Mexico's Challenges: Under-prepared, conscripted fighters, faulty ammunition.

Political and War Developments

• Zachary Taylor: Gained prominence through victories; Polk feared his political potential.
• California Republic: Declared after a rigged election; quickly annexed.
• Santa Ana's Return: Fooled Polk, regained Mexican power but couldn't stop US momentum.

War Conclusion

• Major Victory: US forces raised the flag in Mexico City.
• Expansionist Sentiment: Calls for more territory; practicality prevailed against annexing entire Mexico.
• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Signed February 2, 1848, ending the war; US paid $15 million for territories.

War Impact and Aftermath

• Casualties: 1,733 battle deaths, 4,152 wounded, 11,500 died of disease.
• Territorial Gains: US gained significant land (half a million square miles).
• Legacy: First US offensive war, captured another nation's capital, set stage for future conflicts.

Conclusion and Assignments

• War led to national pride but also seeded future wars.
• Students to complete quizzes and assignments.