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Terms in this set (21)
What is manifest destiny? Manifest destiny was tied to what issue in the 1800s?
Manifest destiny was an idea that the U.S. should settle all the land from Atlantic to Pacific and spread democracy. Manifest destiny was tied to slavery.
Describe the election of 1844. (candidates, winner, important facts)
Democratic Republican; James K. Polk
Whig Party; Henry Clay
Winner: James K. Polk
Important Facts: James Polk was the first dark-horse candidate, the issue was westward expansion of Texas and Oregon.
Whig Party; Henry Clay
Winner: James K. Polk
Important Facts: James Polk was the first dark-horse candidate, the issue was westward expansion of Texas and Oregon.
What did "Fifty four forty or fight!" mean?
Slogan used by American expansionists who wanted the U.S. Canadian border at this parallel.
How do you think people of other cultures and nations viewed the idea of manifest destiny?
Some viewed it as an arrogant position on the part of America, like the Monroe Doctrine, U.S. involvement in Iran/Iraq, Afghanistan. Some may have supported though.
Using the following dates, explain how the United States annexed Texas and Oregon: March 1845, June 1845, 1846, and 1848.
March 1845: Congress approves Texas annexation.
June 1845: Texas congress approves annexation.
1846: Treaty with Britain establishes U.S. Canadian border.
1848: Oregon becomes U.S. territory.
June 1845: Texas congress approves annexation.
1846: Treaty with Britain establishes U.S. Canadian border.
1848: Oregon becomes U.S. territory.
What served as the focus of everyday life in California during Spanish rule?
The missions.
What happened to the missions after Mexico gained independence from Spain?
Mexico ended the mission system, and the mission land went to the wealthiest Californios, who created ranches.
Who were the Vaqueros? Who were the Californios?
Vaqueros: Cowboys who managed the large herds of cattle and sheep on the ranches.
Californios: Colonists who inhabited California territory in the 1820s.
Californios: Colonists who inhabited California territory in the 1820s.
Describe the events that lead the United States to declare war on Mexico.
a) Mexico claims its northern border, the Nuces River.
U.S. claimed the border was the Rio Grande.
b) James K. Polk sends Slidell to Mexico to buy New Mexico and California, but Mexico refused to see him.
c) General Zachary Taylor clashed with Mexican along the border.
d) Polk delivered news to Congress
e) Congress declares war on Mexico
U.S. claimed the border was the Rio Grande.
b) James K. Polk sends Slidell to Mexico to buy New Mexico and California, but Mexico refused to see him.
c) General Zachary Taylor clashed with Mexican along the border.
d) Polk delivered news to Congress
e) Congress declares war on Mexico
What did the American public think of the war with Mexico?
Most Americans supported the war (many men signed up to fight). Whigs opposed (unjustified and avoidable). Abolitionists opposed (feared the spread of slavery)
Briefly describe the Bear Flag Revolt
During the Bear Flag Revolt, from June to July 1846, a small group of American settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government and proclaimed California an independent republic. The republic was short-lived because soon after the Bear Flag was raised, the U.S. military began occupying California, which went on to join the union in 1850. The Bear Flag became the official state flag in 1911.
Who lead the U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of Buena Vista?
General Zachary Taylor
What nickname did the soldiers giver General Scott? Why?
General Winfield Scott, because of his strict military discipline.
Why do you think General Scott attacked Veracruz?
Veracruz was located on the coast, it was the strongest fortress in Mexico, and its defeat was needed to break Mexican resistance.
In chronological order, list the key battles of the Mexican-American War.
Sante Fe: August 1846
Buena Vista: February 1846
Cerro Gordo: March 1847
Mexico City: September 1847
Buena Vista: February 1846
Cerro Gordo: March 1847
Mexico City: September 1847