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

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

Throughout the first half of the 19th century, the United States expanded its borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean, fulfilling its manifest destiny. Find out about the reasons people wanted this land, the path that took them there and the politicians who supported it all.

2. Manifest Destiny's Texas Annexation Problem

Find out why it took five presidents (Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler and Polk) to get Texas annexed into the U.S. and added as a state during the era of Manifest Destiny.

3. President John Tyler: American Expansion and Sectional Concerns

In the presidential election of 1840, 'Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too!' prevailed. But with President Harrison's death just a month later, Vice President John Tyler took the oath of office. Was 'His Accidency' really as bad a president as some critics suggest?

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

President James Polk may be obscure, but he wasn't insignificant. Learn about his controversial territorial acquisitions that define most of what Americans today call the 'Lower 48' states.

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

The controversial Mexican-American War lasted from 1846-1848. In this lesson, discover how the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo expanded the southern part of the United States all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

6. Election of 1848 and the California Gold Rush

General Zachary Taylor was elected president in 1848, hoping to see the peaceful addition of land from the Mexican cession. 'Old Rough and Ready' wasn't prepared for the California gold rush.

7. President Fillmore and the Compromise of 1850

Following President Zachary Taylor's death, Millard Fillmore took office. He supported the Compromise of 1850 that added new states from the Mexican cession and attempted to resolve long-standing controversies over slavery.

8. President Franklin Pierce's Politics and Economics

In the wake of the Compromise of 1850, President Franklin Pierce pursued an aggressive agenda of expansion. In this lesson, find out why it inflamed sectional tensions, and why he wasn't re-nominated for a second term.

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, also known as the Tariff of Abominations, was a problematic attempt to protect the economy of the United States. Learn about the troublesome tariff in this lesson, explore the later issues it caused, and take a short quiz to see what you learned.

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

'54-40;' to fight, or not to fight? Learn about the history of the Oregon boundary dispute between the Americans and British and the effect it had on the future of the United States.

12. General Lewis Cass: History & Biography

Lewis Cass was an American general in the War of 1812 and a Democratic politician who ran for president and lost in 1848. He was also a Senator from Michigan, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State.

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

The Middle Passage, the second leg of the Triangle Trade of transatlantic slavery, was a horrific ordeal for the millions of Africans kidnapped from their home nations.

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

Define the Homestead Act of 1862, learn about its historical origins, and understand the challenges individuals faced as they established property claims on the Great Plains during the 19th century.

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.