IMMIGRATION, EXPANSION, & SECTIONAL CONFLICT (1840-1848)

CHAPTER 13

EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WITH EVIDENCE:

Expansion brought sectional antagonism to the boiling point, split the Democratic party in the late 1840’s, and set the nation on the path to the Civil War.

IMMIGRATION: EXPECTATIONS & REALITIES Causes: Religious freedom for Mormons

& Norwegians; Economic opportunity for Germans, British, & Irish.

Most were Irish & German. Hucksters Harsh voyage Many lacked capital needed to start a

farm. Germans were typically skilled and many

were farmers; settled further inland.

(CONTINUED)

Famous German immigrants- German neighborhoods, newspapers,

doctors, lawyers, etc….self-sufficient Irish were Catholic, poor & unskilled and

lived in eastern cities to work. (factories, canals, RR)

Irish enemies: free blacks, abolitionists, & nativists. Why?

ANTI-IMMIGRANT FERVOR

Awful Disclosures of the Hotel Dieu Nunnery

Nativism & the Know-Nothing Party (formerly Order of the Star Spangled Banner)

Labor Protests Commonwealth v. Hunt Immigrants were fully committed to

Democratic Party. Why?

Gangs of New York

POLITICAL SUPPORT

Democrats Jackson supporters Immigrants “Common man” Anti-reform

Whigs Old Federalists Anti-Jacksonians Reformers

THE WEST

Adams-Onis Treaty 1819

Oregon claimed by Russia, Britain, & U.S.

Tejas (Texas) owned by Mexico.

How does the U.S. end up with both?

1. EVENTS LEADING TO TEXAS REVOLUTION 1836

Causes for Texas migration Why did Mexico close the border to U.S.

immigrants? 1836: 30,000 Americans, 5,000 slaves,

4,000 Mexicans Slavery Causes of Texas Revolution

2. TEXAS REVOLUTION 1836 (TEXAS INDEPENDENCE)

1836- rebellions suppressed by Santa Anna

Sam Houston Alamo & Goliad Battle of San Jacinto Treaty of Velasco Texas Republic: Should the U.S. annex?

3. ANNEXATION OF TEXAS, 1845

Yes- manifest destiny

No- could lead to war with Mexico & there was the issue of slavery

Tyler enters in 1841 after death of William Henry Harrison

Tyler loses election of 1844, but leaves with a legacy: Texas

(CONTINUED)

1844- dark horse candidate James K. Polk (Democrat) was an expansionist.

Tyler considered Polk’s win as a signal to push annexation.

Tyler persuaded Congress to pass a joint resolution which only required a simple majority. Texas annexed!

4. MEXICAN WAR 1846-1848

Causes- $2 million debt, Alamo & Goliad, Texas Annexation, border dispute

Polk’s decision to start a war (& offer to purchase CA, NM)

Lincoln’s “Spot Resolution”

Major military leaders: Zachary Taylor & Winfield Scott

5. RESULTS OF THE MEXICAN WAR

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: U.S. gets Texas, border settled at Rio Grande, and bought New Mexico & California for $15 million.

Why did we pay for territory? Why didn’t we take all of Mexico? With the vast amount of additional

land, what controversial issue arises? SLAVERY!

ATTEMPT TO SETTLE ISSUE OF SLAVERY & EXPANSION

Wilmot Proviso David Wilmot of Pennsylvania. Proposed that slavery be prohibited in

newly acquired territories. Southern Dems opposed on basis that it

was south of the Missouri Compromise. Passed in the House, but not the Senate. Caused a split in the Democratic Party

along sectional lines. Could Congress prohibit slavery?

6. OREGON

1840-1848: 11,500 Americans travelled to Oregon territory.

Oregon issue was significant in election of 1844: “54◦40’ or FIGHT!”

Polk compromised at the 49th parallel.

Angered western Dems.

UNITED STATES MAP IN 1853

JAMES K. POLK

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