5.1 Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War

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The formal addition of the independent Republic of Texas into the United States as the 28th state. Mexico viewed it as an act of aggression, leading to the Mexican-American War.

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Annexation of Texas

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The 19th-century belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory across North America, justifying westward expansion and territorial acquisitions like Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican Cession.

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Manifest Destiny

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The movement of settlers and the U.S. government westward across the continent, driven by Manifest Destiny, leading to conflicts with Native Americans, Mexico, and debates over slavery.

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Westward Expansion

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A region in the Pacific Northwest jointly occupied by Britain and the U.S. until 1846, acquired peacefully as part of Manifest Destiny.

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Oregon Territory

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A slogan used by expansionists demanding the entire Oregon Territory up to the northern latitude line of 54°40′, though the U.S. settled for the 49th parallel in a treaty with Britain.

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'54°40′ or Fight!'

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An unsuccessful diplomatic effort by John Slidell to purchase California and settle border disputes with Mexico, which Mexico’s refusal led President Polk to justify military action.

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Slidell Mission (1845)

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A conflict between the U.S. and Mexico following the annexation of Texas and border disputes, resulting in significant territorial gains for the U.S. and intensified debates over slavery.

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Mexican-American War

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Proposed by Abraham Lincoln, it demanded to know the exact 'spot' where American blood was shed on American soil, challenging President Polk’s justification for war.

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Spot Resolution

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A proposed amendment to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, which failed to pass but intensified sectional tensions and foreshadowed the Civil War.

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Wilmot Proviso

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The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, ceding vast territories to the U.S., including California and much of the Southwest, and confirmed the Rio Grande as the border.

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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo