Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny Overview 1.

Definition: What were the specific reasons Americans wanted to expand West?

American Progress, John Gast 1873

Using the painting, who is moving west? Create a list.

What technologies are moving west?

What is important about the things the woman is carrying in her hands?

What was the purpose of the artist’s use of light?

How would the feelings of the natives and pioneers differ when viewing this painting in 1873?

Manifest Destiny Overview John Tyler assumed the presidency after William Henry Harrison unexpectantly passed away on April 4, 1842.

Tyler kept Harrison’s cabinet even though most members did not respect him as a leader (most did not feel the Constitution gave him the power to be president – nicknamed “His Accidency”) Tyler’s IDEALS: 1. Keep Jeffersonian democracy of limited federal power (why he detested J.Q. Adams & Jackson) 2. Broke Whig Party politics/policy a. Vetoed a National Bank b. Held tariff to 20% ceiling…UNTIL… c. Wanted to end funding to states for infrastructure – Tariff of 1842 3. Foreign Policy a. Settled Maine-Canada border – Secretary of State, Daniel Webster negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty b. Tyler Doctrine – told Britain not to interfere in Hawaii c. Could not settle dispute over Oregon-Canada border Why might any president be concerned with settling border disputes?

Do you think Tyler was interested in satisfying Manifest Destiny? Use evidence to support your claim.

How does the Tyler Doctrine connect to the definition of Manifest Destiny?

Manifest Destiny Overview Considered the “dark horse” of the race, James K. Polk was granted the opportunity to run as the Democratic candidate of the Election of 1844.

What do you notice about the Popular Vote?

Does the Electoral Vote make this election a decisive win? How so?

Polk’s Agenda Establish an Independent Treasury

Reduce Tariffs Settle Oregon Expand West

Treasury Act of 1846 (paper money backed by gold) Walker Tariff Act of 1846

Oregon Treaty of 1846: settled on 49th parallel

Annexed TX in 1845

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848 (ended the Mexican War: led to the Mexican Cession)

Manifest Destiny Overview After John O’Sullivan wrote about manifest destiny, supporters of territorial expansion spread the term across the land. Enthusiasm for expansion reached extreme excitement levels in the 1840s. It was driven by a number of forces: nationalism, increased population, rapid economic development, technological advances and reform ideals. While many supported the movement, most northerners could see conflict on the horizon as southerners salivated over the thought of the expansion of slavery into the West.

Using the video, answer the following questions.

What was Polk’s intended goal for Oregon’s border? Name the final compromise.

GOAL: COMPROMISE: What was the dispute between Texas and Mexico?

How did the Whig Party feel about Polk’s decision to send troops to the Rio Grande?

Explain stating the Whigs’ argument.

Explain the effects of the Mexican-American War. Be sure to include the terms of the treaty and the long-term effects for the nation. Think beyond the video.