Ch 9: Manifest Destiny (1806-1855): Help and Review

1. The Oregon Trail: Westward Migration to the Pacific Ocean

The desire to expand America lead to a westward migration to the Pacific Ocean and the annexation of the Oregon Trail. Learn about the history of American westward expansion, executive expansionists, reasons for expansion, and how expansion helped to achieve manifest destiny.

2. Manifest Destiny's Texas Annexation Problem

Learn how the early Amerian idealogy of manifest destiny conflicted with the annexation of Texas into the United States of America. Take a closer look at the history of the Republic of Texas, how the problems with annexing Texas and slavery were related, and how Texas finally became a state in 1845.

3. President John Tyler: American Expansion and Sectional Concerns

John Tyler's presidency was rife with opposition from members of the United States Congress, including their making him the first president to be impeached. Learn more about Tyler's accomplishments in pushing for American expansion, and how many southerners left the Whig Party to join the Democrats.

4. President James K. Polk's Accomplishments in the Lower 48 States

United States President James K Polk served as president during the Mexican-American War. Learn about the 49th parallel, the war with Mexico, the Treaty of Guadalupe, and how they expanded the boundaries of the United States.

5. The Mexican-American War, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo & the Wilmot Proviso

The Mexican-American War was controversial and complex. Explore the roots of the war and learn about the Polk's War, the political war, the media war, the war on the battlefields, and the Treaty of Guadalupe.

6. Election of 1848 and the California Gold Rush

Study the election of 1848 and how it was connected to the California Gold Rush. Learn about the election of General Zachary Taylor in 1848, the discovery of gold in California, the ensuring gold rush of 1849, and California's application for statehood.

7. President Fillmore and the Compromise of 1850

Millard Fillmore took office following President Taylor's death in 1848, during a time of conflict in Congress regarding slavery in territories newly acquired via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a.k.a. 'Mexican cession.' Discover Fillmore's support of the Compromise of 1850, which included: California becoming a free state; slavery decisions in Utah and New Mexico; Texas being paid to move its border; abolishment of the Washington, D.C. slave trade, and the new Fugitive Slave Act.

8. President Franklin Pierce's Politics and Economics

President Franklin Pierce was an unpopular president due to his aggressive positions on slavery and expansion. Learn about the election of 1852, President Franklin Pierce's controversial political and economic agenda, and how his fervent perspective on slavery divided the nation.

9. The Presidential Election of 1852

Learn about the presidential election of 1852 and how it was affected by the issue of slavery. When you are finished, take the quiz and see what you've learned.

10. The Tariff of 1828

The tariff of 1828 was highly favored by the North - an industrial-based region - and was strongly opposed by the agricultural-based South. Learn more about the background of the tariff of 1828, the nullification crisis, and the states' rights and secession.

11. 54-40 or Fight: Slogan History & Significance

The slogan 54-40 or Fight first appeared in a Democratic-sponsored newspaper in 1846 and described the feelings of pro-expansionary American settlers who desired to drive the British out of the Oregon territory (latitude 54 degrees, 40 minutes). Learn about the history and significance of the slogan 54-40 or Fight.

12. General Lewis Cass: History & Biography

General Lewis Cass was a military leader during the War of 1812. Explore Cass's history and biography, including his role in the war, his presidential campaign, and his service as the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State.

13. Slaves in the Middle Passage: Definition, Facts & Summary

When slaves were transported from African to the European colonies, the second leg of their three-leg journey is known as The Middle Passage. Understand the definition and facts about slaves in the Middle Passage, describe and summarize the slave trade, the Triangle Trade, and the horrid conditions the slaves were required to endure during the Middle Passage.

14. What is the Homestead Act of 1862? - Definition & Summary

The Homestead Act of 1862 provided land ownership for US citizens, but the said Act faced many controversies. Discover how the Homestead Act of 1862 came into effect, its historical background, and the challenges its beneficiaries overcame.

15. Bear Flag Revolt: Definition & Overview

In the development of the United States there were many wars and battles. One state (California) experienced what became known as the Bear Flag Revolt. This lesson discusses this important chapter in California's history.

16. The Oregon Treaty of 1846: Definition & Summary

Did you know that the Oregon Territory was claimed by not just the United States, but three other countries as well? This lesson explains the origins and terms of the Oregon Treaty of 1846.

17. Who Was Johnny Appleseed? - Story & Facts

The legendary Johnny Appleseed was a real frontiersman who furthered westward expansion and brought us bushels of apple varieties. Read more to find out how this colorful character left a legacy that we enjoy today.