US ExpansionUS Expansionin the 1840sin the 1840s

Focus QuestionsFocus Questions

• Explain why and how the US expanded West Explain why and how the US expanded West in the 1840s?in the 1840s?

• Compare and contrast expansion West under Compare and contrast expansion West under Jefferson and Polk? Jefferson and Polk?

• What were the positive and negative effects of What were the positive and negative effects of expansion West?expansion West?

U.S. Emerges as a World Power

US Expansion before 1840US Expansion before 1840• Original 13 colonies: expanded after huge land grant from Original 13 colonies: expanded after huge land grant from

the British in the Treaty of Paris in 1783the British in the Treaty of Paris in 1783

• The Louisiana Purchase by Jefferson in 1803 doubled the The Louisiana Purchase by Jefferson in 1803 doubled the size of the USsize of the US

• Lands along the Canadian border were added by the Treaty Lands along the Canadian border were added by the Treaty of 1818 with British of 1818 with British

• Purchased Florida from Spain in 1819 (Adams-Onis Treaty) Purchased Florida from Spain in 1819 (Adams-Onis Treaty)

US Expansion in the 1840sUS Expansion in the 1840s• In the 1840s, the US expanded further West, adding an In the 1840s, the US expanded further West, adding an

additional one million sq. acres of land, into:additional one million sq. acres of land, into:

• Texas, 1845 Texas, 1845

• The Oregon Territory (Oregon, Washington, Idaho The Oregon Territory (Oregon, Washington, Idaho Wyoming) 1846Wyoming) 1846

• California, and lands East of CA – inc. modern day Utah, California, and lands East of CA – inc. modern day Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas – in 1848, in the Mexican Cession (half of Mexico – Kansas – in 1848, in the Mexican Cession (half of Mexico – if Texas is included) the largest single addition to US if Texas is included) the largest single addition to US territoryterritory

• and then the Gadsden Purchase of 1853and then the Gadsden Purchase of 1853

Expansion in the 1840sExpansion in the 1840s• Motives for desire / demand for the US to expand further Motives for desire / demand for the US to expand further

West, beyond the Louisiana lands, in 1840s?West, beyond the Louisiana lands, in 1840s?

• 1. Industrialists: Why?1. Industrialists: Why?• Find new sources of raw materials (and new markets later)Find new sources of raw materials (and new markets later)• Get control of the port of San Francisco to engage in Get control of the port of San Francisco to engage in

extensive trade with the Orient extensive trade with the Orient

• 2. US settlers who had moved West, outside the US 2. US settlers who had moved West, outside the US (Texas, Oregon, California): Why?(Texas, Oregon, California): Why?

• Wanted the US govt. to take over / annex these lands, so Wanted the US govt. to take over / annex these lands, so they could live again in the US, get the protection of the US they could live again in the US, get the protection of the US govt. – to prevent massacres such as at the Alamogovt. – to prevent massacres such as at the Alamo

• 3. Christian Missionaries: Why?3. Christian Missionaries: Why?• To bring Christianity to the Native Americans in these landsTo bring Christianity to the Native Americans in these lands• To maintain strong religious beliefs among the Americans To maintain strong religious beliefs among the Americans

migrating West (Second GA – piety, membership, migrating West (Second GA – piety, membership, attendance) attendance)

• 4. Social Reformers: Why?4. Social Reformers: Why?• More land for the rapidly growing population of the US (4m More land for the rapidly growing population of the US (4m

to 17m, from 1790 to 1840) – relieve pressure on Eastern to 17m, from 1790 to 1840) – relieve pressure on Eastern CitiesCities

• To bring US reforms to the people living West, and to those To bring US reforms to the people living West, and to those who had moved West (Prison, Mentally Challenged, who had moved West (Prison, Mentally Challenged, Women’s Rights, Temperance, Education)Women’s Rights, Temperance, Education)

• 5. Politicians: Why?5. Politicians: Why?• Fear that if the US did not expand on to these lands, then Fear that if the US did not expand on to these lands, then

former European imperial powers would return (Br, Fr, Sp)former European imperial powers would return (Br, Fr, Sp)

• Growing belief among political leaders that the US had a Growing belief among political leaders that the US had a “divine destiny”…a clear and “manifest destiny”, because “divine destiny”…a clear and “manifest destiny”, because of her superior culture and civilization, to dominate “from of her superior culture and civilization, to dominate “from sea to shining sea.” (racial supremacy) and establish US sea to shining sea.” (racial supremacy) and establish US political controlpolitical control

• Expressed best by John L. Sullivan, editor of the Expressed best by John L. Sullivan, editor of the Democratic ReviewDemocratic Review : US version of Kipling’s / Britain’s : US version of Kipling’s / Britain’s “White Man’s Burden” “White Man’s Burden”

• Sullivan believed that “this continent was intended by Sullivan believed that “this continent was intended by Providence as a vast theatre on which to work out the Providence as a vast theatre on which to work out the grand experiment of Republican Government, under grand experiment of Republican Government, under the auspices of the Anglo-Saxon Race”the auspices of the Anglo-Saxon Race”

• The The American JournalAmerican Journal argued that b/c “The American argued that b/c “The American people are the most independent, intelligent, moral people are the most independent, intelligent, moral and happy people on the face of the earth, they should and happy people on the face of the earth, they should expand the Republic that promoted such happiness.” expand the Republic that promoted such happiness.”

• 6. Farmers and Laborers – opportunities to 6. Farmers and Laborers – opportunities to prosper….acquire land or more land, before farmers prosper….acquire land or more land, before farmers or bigger farmersor bigger farmers

TexasTexas• Was Spanish TerritoryWas Spanish Territory

• US had claimed jurisdiction, but agreed to back off in US had claimed jurisdiction, but agreed to back off in Florida Purchase Treaty in 1819 (Adams-Onis)Florida Purchase Treaty in 1819 (Adams-Onis)

• Under control of Mexico after it declared independence Under control of Mexico after it declared independence in 1821in 1821

• US offered to buy Texas from Mexico but offers were US offered to buy Texas from Mexico but offers were refused refused

• Mexico welcomed US citizens into Texas: Mexico Mexico welcomed US citizens into Texas: Mexico would benefit from their trade, taxes… would benefit from their trade, taxes…

• Some US settlers (soldiers) bought huge acreage at very Some US settlers (soldiers) bought huge acreage at very low costlow cost

• Austin family was an example - Moses Austin and his son Austin family was an example - Moses Austin and his son Stephen: sub let smaller farms to other US settlers Stephen: sub let smaller farms to other US settlers

• Unwritten agreement was that the Austins would bring in Unwritten agreement was that the Austins would bring in Catholic Americans, who would respect Mexican culture, Catholic Americans, who would respect Mexican culture, learn Spanish, respect the authority of the Mexican gov. learn Spanish, respect the authority of the Mexican gov. and eventually become Mexican citizensand eventually become Mexican citizens

• In return, Texas would be given regional autonomy / state-In return, Texas would be given regional autonomy / state-hood within Mexicohood within Mexico

• Americans brought their slaves, even though slavery had Americans brought their slaves, even though slavery had been banned in Mexico in 1824: Mexican gov. turned a been banned in Mexico in 1824: Mexican gov. turned a blind eyeblind eye

• By 1830, approx 30,000 Am’s had settled in TexasBy 1830, approx 30,000 Am’s had settled in Texas

• Neither side fulfilled their promisesNeither side fulfilled their promises

• Santa Anna withdrew the promise of statehood after he Santa Anna withdrew the promise of statehood after he regained the Presidency, on the grounds that the Americans regained the Presidency, on the grounds that the Americans showed no allegiance to the Mexican govt., hadn’t adopted showed no allegiance to the Mexican govt., hadn’t adopted Mexican culture …Mexican culture …

• Tensions mounted: to enforce its authority the Mexican Tensions mounted: to enforce its authority the Mexican gov: gov: – prohibited any further importation of slavesprohibited any further importation of slaves– Prohibited any further immigration from the US, and Prohibited any further immigration from the US, and – placed heavy duties / tariffs on the importation of goods from the placed heavy duties / tariffs on the importation of goods from the

US into MexicoUS into Mexico

• 1836: US settlers, outraged by the restrictions, rose up in 1836: US settlers, outraged by the restrictions, rose up in rebellion; compared Santa Anna with King George and rebellion; compared Santa Anna with King George and declared Texas to be an independent Republic: named declared Texas to be an independent Republic: named Sam Houston as commander of their armySam Houston as commander of their army

• Santa Anna led Mexican troops against Texas, surrounded Santa Anna led Mexican troops against Texas, surrounded

and defeated a small force of Americans (Davy Crocket, and defeated a small force of Americans (Davy Crocket, Travis, Bowie) at a fort / mission - the Alamo – and then Travis, Bowie) at a fort / mission - the Alamo – and then at Goliadat Goliad

• ““Remember the Alamo” – mutilations, brutality… Remember the Alamo” – mutilations, brutality… motivated other settlersmotivated other settlers

• Houston launched a surprise attack on Santa Anna at San Houston launched a surprise attack on Santa Anna at San Jacinto, defeating him, forcing him before releasing him to Jacinto, defeating him, forcing him before releasing him to sign a document recognizing the independence of Texas. sign a document recognizing the independence of Texas.

• Texas then held elections and elected Sam Houston as its Texas then held elections and elected Sam Houston as its first president. Elected its own legislature, wrote its own first president. Elected its own legislature, wrote its own constitutionconstitution

• Voted to apply to the US for annexation. Voted to apply to the US for annexation.

• President Jackson wanted to annex it, but was advised President Jackson wanted to annex it, but was advised postpone: might have provoked war with Mexico, and postpone: might have provoked war with Mexico, and caused conflict between North and South by admitting caused conflict between North and South by admitting another slave state – wanted to get Van Buren safely another slave state – wanted to get Van Buren safely elected in 1836, without controversy elected in 1836, without controversy

• Texas then turned to the British and to France and even to Texas then turned to the British and to France and even to Holland and Belgium, with whom it signed treaties: Holland and Belgium, with whom it signed treaties: feigning possible annexation by them to try to pressurize feigning possible annexation by them to try to pressurize the US into changing its mind the US into changing its mind

• Remained the Lone Star RepublicRemained the Lone Star Republic

• US would change its mind during the years of Manifest US would change its mind during the years of Manifest Destiny…40sDestiny…40s

• Texas was annexed by Pres.Tyler, in 1845, days before Texas was annexed by Pres.Tyler, in 1845, days before leaving office, to spite Polk, who was very upset – he leaving office, to spite Polk, who was very upset – he advocated annexing Texas and intended doing it after advocated annexing Texas and intended doing it after being inauguratedbeing inaugurated

OregonOregon• US trappers, missionaries, traders, first made their way to US trappers, missionaries, traders, first made their way to

OregonOregon

• Sent back word of the beauty, riches of the land, others Sent back word of the beauty, riches of the land, others followed followed

• In 1818, under the Equality treaty, Britain and the US In 1818, under the Equality treaty, Britain and the US agreed to jointly occupy Oregon for 10 years, and then in agreed to jointly occupy Oregon for 10 years, and then in 1828 they agreed to jointly occupy it indefinitely: one 1828 they agreed to jointly occupy it indefinitely: one country could end the agreement if it gave a year’s notice country could end the agreement if it gave a year’s notice

• In Oregon, up to 1830, British settlers outnumbered Ams. In Oregon, up to 1830, British settlers outnumbered Ams. The Anglo-Canadian owned Hudson Bay Company, a The Anglo-Canadian owned Hudson Bay Company, a trading company, dominated trade and provided the only trading company, dominated trade and provided the only effective government thereeffective government there

• After 1830, Am settlers began to outnumber Br settlers, esp. After 1830, Am settlers began to outnumber Br settlers, esp. after the “Oregon Fever” brought hundreds of settlers along after the “Oregon Fever” brought hundreds of settlers along the 2,000 mile Oregon Trail. the 2,000 mile Oregon Trail.

• By 1845, there were approx 5,000 Am settlers in Oregon, By 1845, there were approx 5,000 Am settlers in Oregon, mostly South of the Colombia River, to Britain’s 700, mostly South of the Colombia River, to Britain’s 700, mostly North of the Colombia River. mostly North of the Colombia River.

• In that year US settlers formed their own provisional gov. In that year US settlers formed their own provisional gov. and requested / demanded that the US gov. end joint and requested / demanded that the US gov. end joint occupation and take full controloccupation and take full control

• So too did the Manifest Destiny supporters in the USSo too did the Manifest Destiny supporters in the US

CaliforniaCalifornia • Meanwhile, CA, by the mid 1840s had grown to a pop. of Meanwhile, CA, by the mid 1840s had grown to a pop. of

approx 7,000 people of Spanish-Mexican descent, who approx 7,000 people of Spanish-Mexican descent, who owned huge cattle ranches (in addition to approx 70,000 owned huge cattle ranches (in addition to approx 70,000 Native Indians) Native Indians)

• Included about 2,000 Am settlers / traders: Thomas Larkin Included about 2,000 Am settlers / traders: Thomas Larkin was the most famous / successfulwas the most famous / successful

• He built up a huge trade around the Monterey area and He built up a huge trade around the Monterey area and welcomed more Ams to settle in the area. welcomed more Ams to settle in the area.

• Other Ams, who moved down from Oregon, settled around Other Ams, who moved down from Oregon, settled around Sutters Fort, owned by a Swiss immigrant trader, who sold Sutters Fort, owned by a Swiss immigrant trader, who sold them land at low cost them land at low cost

• Larkin was appointed US consul to CA in 1844, to Larkin was appointed US consul to CA in 1844, to represent the interests of the US settlers, esp. after represent the interests of the US settlers, esp. after some of these settlers were driven from their lands by some of these settlers were driven from their lands by Mexican authorities. Mexican authorities.

• US claimed $3m in damages for land illegally US claimed $3m in damages for land illegally confiscated by Mexico confiscated by Mexico

Manifest DestinyManifest Destiny• In the 1840s supporters of Manifest Destiny talked of In the 1840s supporters of Manifest Destiny talked of

expanding into Texas, Oregon, California expanding into Texas, Oregon, California

• Manifest Destiny was the most important issue in the Manifest Destiny was the most important issue in the election of 1844 between the Whig’s Clay and the election of 1844 between the Whig’s Clay and the Democrat’s Polk Democrat’s Polk

• Polk won the democratic nomination over Van Buren b/c Polk won the democratic nomination over Van Buren b/c he came out strongly for Manifest Destiny, advocating he came out strongly for Manifest Destiny, advocating the annexation of these three territories the annexation of these three territories

• Jackson gave him his blessing – he became known as Jackson gave him his blessing – he became known as “Young Hickory” – won the Pres election “Young Hickory” – won the Pres election

• PolkPolk • Strong supporter of Jackson, and similar career path: Strong supporter of Jackson, and similar career path:

lawyer, plantation and slave owner, rep. Tennessee in lawyer, plantation and slave owner, rep. Tennessee in CongressCongress

• Worked himself to death during his one term in the Worked himself to death during his one term in the White House, workaholic; worked 18 hours a day. Died White House, workaholic; worked 18 hours a day. Died three months after leaving office, from exhaustion three months after leaving office, from exhaustion

• As President, achieved what he set out to do - Served As President, achieved what he set out to do - Served only one term, as he said he would only one term, as he said he would

• His Four Goals: His Four Goals: • 1. Acquire Oregon1. Acquire Oregon• 2. Acquire CA2. Acquire CA• 3. Reduce tariffs3. Reduce tariffs• 4. Restore Van Buren’s independent treasury which the 4. Restore Van Buren’s independent treasury which the

Whigs had abolishedWhigs had abolished

• He did all of these four things. He has been described by He did all of these four things. He has been described by historians as Machiavellian (the end justifies the means), historians as Machiavellian (the end justifies the means), ruthless, devious, underhanded, and deceitful, esp. with ruthless, devious, underhanded, and deceitful, esp. with regard to expansion regard to expansion

• Polk and OregonPolk and Oregon

• He hoped to acquire it peacefully, not wanting to go to He hoped to acquire it peacefully, not wanting to go to war with Britain, since he expected to go to war with war with Britain, since he expected to go to war with Mexico over California. Mexico over California.

• Having promised in his election campaign to support Having promised in his election campaign to support “54’, 40” or fight” he now indicated to the British “54’, 40” or fight” he now indicated to the British minister in Washington, Packenham, that he would minister in Washington, Packenham, that he would accept a compromise – the division of Oregon along the accept a compromise – the division of Oregon along the 4949thth parallel (which would really give the US all of parallel (which would really give the US all of Oregon since the 49Oregon since the 49thth parallel was the Oregon-Canadian parallel was the Oregon-Canadian dividing line)dividing line)

• Packenham took it upon himself to reject the US demand, Packenham took it upon himself to reject the US demand, and proposed that Oregon be divided along the Colombia and proposed that Oregon be divided along the Colombia river, much further to the South river, much further to the South

• Polk then declared that since the British turned down Polk then declared that since the British turned down his first offer he would now insist on “all or nothing” – his first offer he would now insist on “all or nothing” – that the US be given all of the Oregon up to the 54’ 40” that the US be given all of the Oregon up to the 54’ 40” parallel. parallel.

• He proposed to Congress that it announce to the British He proposed to Congress that it announce to the British that joint occupation was over and that the US would that joint occupation was over and that the US would aggressively pursue full control over the entire aggressively pursue full control over the entire territory. territory.

• Congress approved and it seemed that war with the Congress approved and it seemed that war with the British was very likely. British was very likely.

• But Polk was really bluffing, engaging in brinkmanship, But Polk was really bluffing, engaging in brinkmanship, wanting to test the British, trying to find out how wanting to test the British, trying to find out how important Oregon was to them – would they risk war for important Oregon was to them – would they risk war for it or not, yet never intending that the US would actually it or not, yet never intending that the US would actually go to war go to war

• Fortunately for Polk, Oregon was no longer that Fortunately for Polk, Oregon was no longer that important to the British – were not prepared to risk war important to the British – were not prepared to risk war for itfor it

• Br were willing to settle the issue by granting the US all Br were willing to settle the issue by granting the US all of Oregon south of the 49of Oregon south of the 49thth parallel. Packenham was parallel. Packenham was reprimanded and ordered to make that offerreprimanded and ordered to make that offer

• Polk was thrilled and wanted the US to accept – but Polk was thrilled and wanted the US to accept – but he didn’t want to be the one to do so – he wanted to he didn’t want to be the one to do so – he wanted to keep the support of the 54’ 40” people and give the keep the support of the 54’ 40” people and give the impression that he still wanted to expand the US that impression that he still wanted to expand the US that far. far.

• He left the ultimate decision / announcement to the He left the ultimate decision / announcement to the Senate, which accepted the British offer. Senate, which accepted the British offer.

• Polk was able to claim credit for acquiring the new Polk was able to claim credit for acquiring the new territory, yet able to insinuate that he really wanted territory, yet able to insinuate that he really wanted more, but that the senate restricted him more, but that the senate restricted him

• Polk and Mexico / CaliforniaPolk and Mexico / California

• Texas claimed border w/ Mexico should not be at the Texas claimed border w/ Mexico should not be at the present location of the Nueces River but further South present location of the Nueces River but further South West at the Rio Grande River - many US and Texan West at the Rio Grande River - many US and Texan settlers had moved there in the past few years. settlers had moved there in the past few years.

• Mexican govt. insisted that the border should remain at the Mexican govt. insisted that the border should remain at the Nueces RiverNueces River

• Based on Manifest Destiny / Expansion Polk supported Based on Manifest Destiny / Expansion Polk supported Texas’ claim for an expanded border. Texas’ claim for an expanded border.

• Expected war – but was willing to negotiate first while Expected war – but was willing to negotiate first while there was any prospect of Mexico selling CA, and other there was any prospect of Mexico selling CA, and other territory to the US territory to the US

• Sent John Slidell to Mexico in Nov 1845 to negotiate Sent John Slidell to Mexico in Nov 1845 to negotiate with the Mexican govt. for the purchase of CA and with the Mexican govt. for the purchase of CA and other territory East of CA other territory East of CA

• US offered $25m for CA, $5m for lands East; and the US offered $25m for CA, $5m for lands East; and the US would take on the responsibility of paying the US would take on the responsibility of paying the $3m damages being sought from Mexico by US $3m damages being sought from Mexico by US citizens in CA for property losses (total of $33m)citizens in CA for property losses (total of $33m)

• Mexican govt. rejected the offer and refused Mexican govt. rejected the offer and refused discussions with Slidelldiscussions with Slidell

• Polk hoped to engineer a war with Mexico to gain these Polk hoped to engineer a war with Mexico to gain these lands – but he wanted it to appear as if the war was initiated lands – but he wanted it to appear as if the war was initiated by Mexico, that it was the aggressor, and that the US was by Mexico, that it was the aggressor, and that the US was responding, reacting, defending itself from attacks responding, reacting, defending itself from attacks

• Polk, in Jan. 1846, sent General Zachary Taylor and 4,000 Polk, in Jan. 1846, sent General Zachary Taylor and 4,000 US troops to the Rio Grande River to support the claims of US troops to the Rio Grande River to support the claims of Texas for an expanded border, hoping to provoke Mexican Texas for an expanded border, hoping to provoke Mexican troops across the river into making the first attacktroops across the river into making the first attack

• But nothing happened and on May 9But nothing happened and on May 9thth, 1846, a frustrated , 1846, a frustrated Polk told his cabined he intended to ask Congress to declare Polk told his cabined he intended to ask Congress to declare war on Mexico anyway, on the basis that Mexico refused to war on Mexico anyway, on the basis that Mexico refused to meet Slidell and rejected the US offer, and on the basis of meet Slidell and rejected the US offer, and on the basis of the unpaid $3m to US residents in CA. the unpaid $3m to US residents in CA.

• Ironically on that same evening, as if by fate, news of the Ironically on that same evening, as if by fate, news of the bloodshed arrived - Mexican troops had in fact crossed the bloodshed arrived - Mexican troops had in fact crossed the Rio Grande River, attacked a unit of General Taylor’s Rio Grande River, attacked a unit of General Taylor’s troops, with 16 US casualties (killed or wounded) rs. troops, with 16 US casualties (killed or wounded) rs.

• This was the news that Polk had been waiting for. He was This was the news that Polk had been waiting for. He was now able to go to Congress with a better argument for war. now able to go to Congress with a better argument for war.

• The US should declare war on Mexico since Mexico had The US should declare war on Mexico since Mexico had invaded US territory and killed US troops on US soil – invaded US territory and killed US troops on US soil – “American blood on American soil” – in spite of US efforts “American blood on American soil” – in spite of US efforts to negotiate and avoid hostilities. to negotiate and avoid hostilities.

• A majority of Congress accepted Polk’s interpretation of A majority of Congress accepted Polk’s interpretation of events events

• Exceptions were the Northern Whigs (anti-slavery Exceptions were the Northern Whigs (anti-slavery group), among whom was IL congressman Abraham group), among whom was IL congressman Abraham Lincoln; demanded to know exactly on what spot of Am Lincoln; demanded to know exactly on what spot of Am soil was Am blood shed, for which he became known as soil was Am blood shed, for which he became known as “spotty Lincoln”. “spotty Lincoln”.

• These Whigs called Polk, “Polk the Mendacious” for These Whigs called Polk, “Polk the Mendacious” for lying about how and where the war started, arguing that lying about how and where the war started, arguing that the territory between the two rivers wasn’t US soil and the territory between the two rivers wasn’t US soil and that Polk deliberately provoked the war. that Polk deliberately provoked the war.

• In their opinion, Polk had started an unnecessary warIn their opinion, Polk had started an unnecessary war

• There is no doubt that Polk provoked war w/ Mexico. In There is no doubt that Polk provoked war w/ Mexico. In fact, he had been planning it for some time even before fact, he had been planning it for some time even before sending Slidell to Mexico. sending Slidell to Mexico.

• In early 1845 he had advised Thomas Larkin – appointed In early 1845 he had advised Thomas Larkin – appointed US consul to CA in 1844 – to encourage US settlers there US consul to CA in 1844 – to encourage US settlers there to agitate for the annexation of CA by the US, and had to agitate for the annexation of CA by the US, and had told Larkin that if the US citizens in CA rebelled against told Larkin that if the US citizens in CA rebelled against Mexican rule they would be supported by the US. Mexican rule they would be supported by the US.

• He had also sent the explorer John Fremont to CA on a He had also sent the explorer John Fremont to CA on a supposed topographical and engineering expedition, but supposed topographical and engineering expedition, but with an unusually large number of US soldiers to protect with an unusually large number of US soldiers to protect the expedition – the expedition was ordered out of CA by the expedition – the expedition was ordered out of CA by the Mexican govt., but it only moved just over the the Mexican govt., but it only moved just over the Oregon border and remained there…ready to invade Oregon border and remained there…ready to invade when orderedwhen ordered

• Polk also advised the US naval forces in the Pacific to Polk also advised the US naval forces in the Pacific to be on stand by to support US settlers in CA should an be on stand by to support US settlers in CA should an uprising take placeuprising take place

• Larkin, Freemont…. show that Polk was determined Larkin, Freemont…. show that Polk was determined to acquire CA by fair means or foul – by negotiated to acquire CA by fair means or foul – by negotiated purchase or failing that, by war purchase or failing that, by war

• Text: CA was an important part of Polk’s program.. Text: CA was an important part of Polk’s program.. Mexico would not sell – it would have to be taken by Mexico would not sell – it would have to be taken by force or wait for an internal American revolt… “bent force or wait for an internal American revolt… “bent on grasping CA by fair means or foul, he pushed the on grasping CA by fair means or foul, he pushed the quarrel to a bloody showdown.” quarrel to a bloody showdown.”

Mexican-American WarMexican-American War• Three campaigns;Three campaigns; • 1. Taylor crossed the Rio Grande River, into Mexico, 1. Taylor crossed the Rio Grande River, into Mexico,

achieving victory after victory over the Mexican army, achieving victory after victory over the Mexican army, eventually defeating Santa Ana at Buena Vista, where 5K eventually defeating Santa Ana at Buena Vista, where 5K US forces overcame 20K led by the slippery Santa Anna US forces overcame 20K led by the slippery Santa Anna

• Santa Anna, had been deposed as Mexican dictator, exiled Santa Anna, had been deposed as Mexican dictator, exiled in Cuba, helped by Polk to get back on his feet (money), to in Cuba, helped by Polk to get back on his feet (money), to return to Mexico, in the hope of regaining power, return to Mexico, in the hope of regaining power, whereupon he would surrender, and concede the disputed whereupon he would surrender, and concede the disputed lands to the US – regarded as a despicable bargain – lands to the US – regarded as a despicable bargain – supporting some one to sell out their own country. Anyway supporting some one to sell out their own country. Anyway Santa Anna was using Polk, once back in Mexico he Santa Anna was using Polk, once back in Mexico he reneged on his promise and played a big part in resisting US reneged on his promise and played a big part in resisting US invasioninvasion

• 2. Stephen Kearney, captured Santa Fe, proclaimed 2. Stephen Kearney, captured Santa Fe, proclaimed that the New Mexico region had been annexed by the that the New Mexico region had been annexed by the US. Then headed for Monterey, CA US. Then headed for Monterey, CA

• Meanwhile, in CA , US settlers led by John Freemont Meanwhile, in CA , US settlers led by John Freemont had rebelled when they heard of the declaration of had rebelled when they heard of the declaration of war on Mexico – the Bear Flag Revolt / Bear Flag war on Mexico – the Bear Flag Revolt / Bear Flag RepublicRepublic

• Aided by US naval forces in the Pacific. Kearney Aided by US naval forces in the Pacific. Kearney arrived – but the task had already been completed arrived – but the task had already been completed

• 3. Gen Scott landed at Vera Cruz with the main US 3. Gen Scott landed at Vera Cruz with the main US expedition, forced its surrenderexpedition, forced its surrender

• then defeated Santa Anna at Cerro Gordo, before then defeated Santa Anna at Cerro Gordo, before moving on to Mexico city in one of the great moving on to Mexico city in one of the great campaigns in US military history (outnumbered, campaigns in US military history (outnumbered, fought disease, difficult terrain) and forcing it to fought disease, difficult terrain) and forcing it to surrender Sept 1847 surrender Sept 1847

• The public supported war – Manifest Destiny popular: The public supported war – Manifest Destiny popular: also revenge for the Alamoalso revenge for the Alamo

• Polk, now anxious to end the war and settle the land Polk, now anxious to end the war and settle the land issue, sent Nicholas Trist, chief clerk of the State Dept. to issue, sent Nicholas Trist, chief clerk of the State Dept. to negotiate a settlement. negotiate a settlement.

• He got Santa Anna to agree to an armistice after paying He got Santa Anna to agree to an armistice after paying him a $10K bribe – but again, after taking the money, he him a $10K bribe – but again, after taking the money, he didn’t keep his word – tried to fight on didn’t keep his word – tried to fight on

• Polk then recalled Trist – lost confidence in him - but Polk then recalled Trist – lost confidence in him - but Trist refused to return home, and entered discussions Trist refused to return home, and entered discussions with the Mexican govt., ending with the Treaty of with the Mexican govt., ending with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb 2, 1848Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb 2, 1848

• Polk was infuriated with Trist (denounced him as an Polk was infuriated with Trist (denounced him as an impudent and unqualified scoundrel – fired him) impudent and unqualified scoundrel – fired him)

• But was happy with the Treaty he brought backBut was happy with the Treaty he brought back

• Polk now regretted that he had not insisted on more land Polk now regretted that he had not insisted on more land since Mexico so readily agreed to these termssince Mexico so readily agreed to these terms

• Main terms:Main terms:• US control of Texas confirmedUS control of Texas confirmed• New boundary recognized at the Rio Grande River New boundary recognized at the Rio Grande River • CA and other lands to the east of CA were conceded for CA and other lands to the east of CA were conceded for

$15m and US assumed the $3m owed to CA settlers ($18 $15m and US assumed the $3m owed to CA settlers ($18 rather than $33)rather than $33)

• Mexican-American War Cost - $98m (plus the Mexican-American War Cost - $98m (plus the payments for land: $18m); 1,721 men died in battle; payments for land: $18m); 1,721 men died in battle; 11,155 died from disease11,155 died from disease

• Polk did succeed in extending the US from sea to Polk did succeed in extending the US from sea to shining sea; added new lands of Oregon, CA, territory shining sea; added new lands of Oregon, CA, territory east of CA from which Utah, Nevada, Arizona would east of CA from which Utah, Nevada, Arizona would later be created: extended Texas to Rio Grande river. later be created: extended Texas to Rio Grande river. Polk helped reshape the continent of North America Polk helped reshape the continent of North America

• The US benefited physically but politically the The US benefited physically but politically the acquisition of new lands proved to be extremely acquisition of new lands proved to be extremely divisive divisive

• One important consequence of the war was that it re-One important consequence of the war was that it re-awakened the whole issue of slavery again when new awakened the whole issue of slavery again when new territories and then states were createdterritories and then states were created

• The Missouri Compromise of 1820 would be The Missouri Compromise of 1820 would be challenged causing division between North and Southchallenged causing division between North and South

• Land acquisition – always reopened the arguments Land acquisition – always reopened the arguments about slavery, intensified pro and anti slave debate – about slavery, intensified pro and anti slave debate – disturbing balance between in the Senate disturbing balance between in the Senate

• Shortly after acceptance of the Treaty, the Rep. for PA, Shortly after acceptance of the Treaty, the Rep. for PA, Wilmot, proposed an amendment that slavery should Wilmot, proposed an amendment that slavery should never exist in any of the territory of the Mexican never exist in any of the territory of the Mexican Cession Cession

• This Amendment twice passed in the House but not the This Amendment twice passed in the House but not the Senate, where Sth members defeated it – they didn’t Senate, where Sth members defeated it – they didn’t want to be deprived of potential slave states who would want to be deprived of potential slave states who would support the continuation of slavery. support the continuation of slavery.

• Nth states and Antislavery forces supported Wilmot’s Nth states and Antislavery forces supported Wilmot’s Amendment which became known as the “Wilmot Amendment which became known as the “Wilmot Proviso”Proviso”

• Opening shots of the Mexican War were the opening Opening shots of the Mexican War were the opening shots of the Civil War – Polk won land but left the shots of the Civil War – Polk won land but left the nation with the “ugly moral heritage of an embittered nation with the “ugly moral heritage of an embittered slavery dispute.” (text)slavery dispute.” (text)

• Emerson: “Mexico will poison us.”Emerson: “Mexico will poison us.”• Calhoun: “Mexico is the forbidden fruit – the penalty of Calhoun: “Mexico is the forbidden fruit – the penalty of

eating it would be to subject our institutions to political eating it would be to subject our institutions to political death.”death.”

• ““Mexicans could later take some satisfaction in knowing Mexicans could later take some satisfaction in knowing that the territory wrenched from them had proved to be a that the territory wrenched from them had proved to be a venomous apple of discord that could well be called venomous apple of discord that could well be called Santa Anna’s revenge.” (text)Santa Anna’s revenge.” (text)

• Gadsden Purchase 1853Gadsden Purchase 1853• purchase of 29,640 sq miles of land on Sth borders of purchase of 29,640 sq miles of land on Sth borders of

AZ and NM, from Mexico for $10mAZ and NM, from Mexico for $10m• Flat land, to build a Southern trans-continental railroadFlat land, to build a Southern trans-continental railroad

• Other Manifest Destiny supporters in the 1850s wanted Other Manifest Destiny supporters in the 1850s wanted to extend control over Cubato extend control over Cuba

• Jefferson v PolkJefferson v Polk• Jefferson honorable in negotiations w/ Napoleon ($10m-Jefferson honorable in negotiations w/ Napoleon ($10m-

$15m)$15m)• Paid asking price for Louisiana Paid asking price for Louisiana • Honest w/ Congress; embarrassed b/c Constitution didn’t Honest w/ Congress; embarrassed b/c Constitution didn’t

allow the purchase – reluctantly switched from strict to allow the purchase – reluctantly switched from strict to loose construction loose construction

• Feds opposed – but was popularly supported Feds opposed – but was popularly supported

• PolkPolk • Dishonorable, dishonest, brinkmanship, bluffing, deceitful, Dishonorable, dishonest, brinkmanship, bluffing, deceitful,

greedgreed• Pretended he didn’t want Oregon divided w/ Br along the Pretended he didn’t want Oregon divided w/ Br along the

4949thth parallel – gave impression he would fight for 54 40: parallel – gave impression he would fight for 54 40: allowed Congress to make the decision – but this is what he allowed Congress to make the decision – but this is what he wanted; put responsibility on Congress; so he wouldn’t lose wanted; put responsibility on Congress; so he wouldn’t lose face w/ the Manifest Destiny peopleface w/ the Manifest Destiny people

• Sent Taylor w/ 4K troops to Rio Grande River, an invasion Sent Taylor w/ 4K troops to Rio Grande River, an invasion of Mexican territory (after Slidell mission failed) – to of Mexican territory (after Slidell mission failed) – to provoke Mexico into war. provoke Mexico into war.

• Helped Santa Anna back to Mexico from Cuba: promised Helped Santa Anna back to Mexico from Cuba: promised Polk to surrender Mexico and give him the land he wanted; Polk to surrender Mexico and give him the land he wanted; reneged on his promise reneged on his promise

• Later paid Santa Ana a $10K bribe to declare an armistice; Later paid Santa Ana a $10K bribe to declare an armistice; took the money but again broke his wordtook the money but again broke his word

• Preparations in CA long before war – a year earlier – Preparations in CA long before war – a year earlier – advised Kearney to stir up trouble and sent Freemont advised Kearney to stir up trouble and sent Freemont on a supposed topographical expedition – advised US on a supposed topographical expedition – advised US navy in Pacific to be on the alert to support an navy in Pacific to be on the alert to support an uprising uprising

• Sent Trist to negotiate – then denounced him – Sent Trist to negotiate – then denounced him – feigned unhappiness w/ the Treaty of Guadalupe feigned unhappiness w/ the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo but was very happy with it…Hidalgo but was very happy with it…