Migrating WestwardCHAPTER 5, SECTION 1

Settling the Spanish Borderlands The Spanish North was sparsely populated compared

to present-day Mexico due to the threat of Native American tribes.

Texas was sparsely populated because it was only needed to act as a buffer zone to the Mexican mines.

In California, the Spanish sought to convert the Native Americans to Christianity for defensive purposes. Very few Spanish lived there due to its distance

from major markets in Mexico.

Americans Look WestwardThe revolution of 1821 in Mexico overthrew the

Spanish and established Mexico as an independent nation.

Some Americans, known as expansionists, wanted to expand into New Mexico, Texas and California (now Mexico’s) for various reasons. Viewed Mexico’s government and economy as

weak;Mexicans are inferior do not deserve the land; Manifest Destiny= belief that God wanted the

U.S. to own all of North America.

Trails Westward Major trails linking to the west soon appeared, albeit for various

reasons. Santa Fe Trail

Started in Independence, MO Purpose: Trade with Mexico manufactured goods for horses,

furs, silver. Ended: Santa Fe, NM

Mormon Trail Started in Nauvoo, IL Purpose: Mormon migration; westward travel

Led by Brigham Young (after the death of Joseph Smith) Ended: Salt Lake City, UT

Trails Westward (cont’d) Oregon Trail

Started in Independence, MOPurpose: westward travel (originally by missionaries);

then farmersEnded: Willamette Valley, OR

California TrailBranched off Oregon Trail in southern IdahoPurpose: fur trade– Mountain Men; started by Jedediah

SmithEnded: Sutter’s Fort, CA

The Journey Journey was ~2,000 miles, took 5 months to complete. Most people travelled in wagon trains of 50-1,000 people Difficulties faced:

Left too late really cold winters! Crossing the Rockies Lack of food Disease Getting lost

Donner Party got lost during the winter; ½ died, the rest resorted to cannibalism

Review Today’s Topics1) Why were the territories of Spanish North (California, Texas and New Mexico)

sparsely populated?

a) There was a dispute over the land between the U.S. and Mexico

b) Travel to Mexican markets took a long time

c) They were considered a part of the U.S. and not Mexico

d) The land was not suitable to live on.

2) Which of the following is NOT a reason why expansionists wanted to acquire new Spain?

a) Manifest Destiny c) Mexico’s weak government

b) Mexicans were seen as inferior d) Mexico was willing to give up the land

3) What is significant about the Donner Party?

a) They got lost and turned to cannibalism c) They led the Mormons westward

b) They were the first settlers in California d) They found gold in California

Ticket-Out-the-Door

Ticket-out-the-door: Identify two reasons why American settlers wanted to travel westward.