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Manifest Destiny and Beyond

This text explores John Tyler's presidency, his support for Texas annexation, and the Mexican-American War. It delves into the concept of Manifest Destiny and the impact of the war on the expansion of the United States.

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Manifest Destiny and Beyond

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  1. Manifest Destiny and Beyond

  2. John Tyler: His Accidency • Poor relationships with many in the political world • Became president after death of Harrison • Greatest rivalry existed with Henry Clay • Whig party abandons him • Ran on platform of Texas annexation

  3. Question of Texas • Jackson and Van Buren side stepped it, Tyler embraced it; downfall for him • Highly fertile region; great for cotton • By 1830 20,000 Americans making way into Texas • Republic of Mexico • Forced Catholicism • Language barriers • Outlawing of slavery

  4. Don’t Mess with Texas • Restrictions led to desire for independence • Skirmishes increased • The Alamo • February 1836, 6000 Mexicans march into San Antonio • Mission serves as protection for unwilling Texans • 10 days held off the attacks from the Mexican military • Results: • Texans lost 187 men • Mexicans 1500 men • Renewed effort towards independence…..Remember the Alamo!!

  5. Annexation of Texas • Politicians thorn • Fear of war for many • Public wanted Texas • Issue of slavery sensitive; fear of war between the states

  6. Manifest Destiny • Coined by journalist John L. O’Sullivan • Providential, the destined goal: • One mighty nation • A refuge for the oppressed • A showcase to display the virtues of democracy • Area of focus Mexico, and the suppression of the Mexican culture

  7. Polk’s Rise • Front runners struggled with Texas issue • Clay and Van Buren “behind the age” on idea of expansionism • Polk: dark horse in the political world • Good democrat in Jackson term • Supported taking Texas and general expansion • Win of 1844 election a bit of luck, Liberty Party helped • Inaugural address demonstrated his plans and desires toward expansion • The west was on his radar screen; barriers could be overcome • just ask the British!

  8. War with Mexico • Texas admitted into Union 1845, one hitch, Mexico never recognized independence • Negotiations lagged, Polk took matters into his own hands • Two effective generals available to Polk • Polk’s Plan: • Clear Mexicans from Texas • Take possession of New Mexico and California • March into Mexico City

  9. Cont….. • Plan was effective • Mexico in a state of disarray • Treaty situation tricky • Polk saw it as an opportunity for more; those there saw it differently • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo; Polk dissatisfied • In the end: • Americans walked away with a victory • 13,000 American lives lost • More land acquired • Slavery issue again! • On to California…….there’s gold in them thar hills!

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