Chapter 9: Manifest Destiny

1835-1848

Section One: The Western Pioneers

What is Manifest Destiny?The concept that GOD had given the

continent of North America to Americans and wanted them to settle western land

Reasons for Westward ExpansionManifest DestinyReligious reasons (Mormons)Better farmlandNew technology made farming easier (iron

plow)More farmland available

Areas to Move To…OregonCaliforniaUtahWashington

Westward TravelUsed covered wagonsFollowed Oregon Trail5-6 months long, about 15 miles a dayDangerous

Contact with NativesSome Indian attacksMore times than not, natives traded with

travelersUS Government created Fort Laramie in 1851

Created to ensure peace between travelers and natives

The Mormon TrailMormons were

persecuted in IllinoisLed by Brigham Young, they moved to UtahGained religious

freedom

Section Two and Three: Mexican-American War

Spanish ControlIn the early 1800s,

Mexico was under Spanish control

Spain had allowed Americans to settle in the northern section of Texas

Mexicans did not like thisThey feared that

Americans would take over their land

Mexico Implements LawsTo prevent Americans taking over, they

established laws, such as:Mexico banned the use of slavery in their landStopped Americans from immigratingPlaced a high tax on goods to stop Americans

from trading

Upset AmericansThey were upset because they did not like

another government telling them what to doThey wanted the land they were living on the

be American land now

War BeginsTexas is annexed- or

withdrawals- from Mexico, and becomes an independent nation in 1836

The Mexican-American war starts because the US wants the Mexican land of Texas, and Mexico refuses to let this happen

War EndsTreaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war in

1848Terms of the Treaty

Mexico gives 500,000 square miles to US- including California, Utah, Nevada, parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming

Border between US and Mexico is established along the Rio Grande

Effects of the WarManifest Destiny is achieved in the eyes of

many Americans- now control the continent from coast to coast