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Melish’s comments on his 1816 map of the United States To present the country this way was desirable . . . The map shows at a glance the whole extent of the United States territory from sea to sea. In tracing the probable expansion of the human race from east to west, the mind finds an agreeable resting place on its western limits. The view is complete and leaves nothing to be wished for. It also adds to the beauty and symmetry of the map. Source: John Melish. Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions. Philadelphia, 1816. Expansion of the United States Manifest Destiny and Beyond Manifest Destiny Dream of a nation stretching from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean “Divine Mission” to spread liberty and democracy across continent John O’Sullivan coined the phrase: “Manifest Destiny” Clearly apparent or obvious destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent Independence of Texas Texas a province of Mexico Mexico concerned that too many Americans in Texas U.S. offers to buy Texas – Declined!! 1830: Mexico stops Americans coming into Texas 1836: Texas fights for Independence led by Commander Sam Houston Battle of the Alamo Fortress built on ruins of a Spanish Mission Fewer than 200 men assembled vs. 4,000 Mexicans Battle lasted 13 days; more than 180 Texans died – includes Davy Crockett “Remember the Alamo!!” Texas Gains Freedom 1836: About 800 Texans, under Sam Houston, surprised General Santa Ana Forced him to sign a treaty recognizing the Republic of Texas Annexation of Texas: 1845 Annex: Join or attach U.S. hesitated to annex Texas – Why? North feared adding slavery Some feared war with Mexico Feb. 1845: Annexed into U.S. Dec. 1845: Becomes a state Oregon Country: 1846 British Territory U.S. Territory An enormous wilderness Treaty of 1818: Joint occupation by Britain and U.S. By 1845: Over 5,000 Americans living there New government plan drawn up as Americans outnumber British Treaty of 1846: Divide Oregon Country at 49th Parallel Very similar to today’s northern border War with Mexico: 1846-1849 Mexico broke off relations with U.S. when Texas annexed Differed over southern Texas border Pres. Polk wanted more than just Texas He wanted land all the way to Pacific Offered $30 million to Mexico for California and New Mexico – Mexico declined!! War began in May 1846 War with Mexico: 1846-1849 American troops soon captured New Mexico January 1847: California under U.S. control War moved into Mexico Sept. 1847: Captured Mexico City (Capital) – War ends! 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Rio Grande River – Texas southern border U.S. gets California and New Mexico Gadsden Purchase: 1853 30,000 square miles - $10 million Eventual route for southern transcontinental railroad