Territorial Expansion Dominated American Foreign Policy and Politics in the 1840S

Ch 17 notes for me

INTRO

Territorial expansion dominated American Foreign Policy and Politics in the 1840s---

Oregon Country disputes with Britain

Strong support to annex Texas causes issues with Mexico

America’s desire to acquire California, part of Mexico, this led to the Mex-Am War

The War with Mexico, 1846-48, also raised the issue of the expansion of slavery into the “Mexican Cession,” which in turn leads to the Civil War.

THE ACCESSION OF “TYLER, TOO”

Election of 1840 elected the 1st Whig president, WH Harrison, however, the real leaders of the Whig party were Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, now Secretary of State.

However, WHH dies after 30 days---which leads to PROBLEMS!

John Tyler, Virginia, [a democrat in whig clothing] Tyler belonged to one of the smaller wings of the party ---Jeffersonian states righter’s---ON VIRTUALLY EVER MAJOR ISSUE---Tyler opposed the all of the three parts of the American System—The Bank, Tariff, Internal Improvements****

JOHN TYLER: A PRESIDENT

The Whigs attempt to legislate their ideas [American System] ***

-They end the Independent Treasury (passed by Van Buren)---But to replace it, Congress passes the New Bank of USA----BUT TYLER VETOES THE BILL***TWICE***

WHIGS WERE PISSED---calling Tyler—“His executive ass” and “His Accidency”---THE WHIGS FORMALLY EXPEL TYLER FROM THE PARTY—THE ENTIRE CABINET RESIGNS, except Webster who was in negotiations with Great Britain (arostook war—Maine Boundary)***

-TYLER NEXT VETOES THE WHIG TARIFF—due to the inclusion within the bill to distribute profits from the sale of public lands to the States. A COMPROMISE TARIFF WITH NO $$$ DISTRIBUTION AND LOWER RATES WAS PASSED AND SIGNED BY TYLER.

A WAR OF WORDS WITH BRITAIN

Ant-British passions:

Two wars

Death of pro-British Federalists –replaced by Nativist Jacksonian Democrats

British Authors wrote and offended Americans---calling them hicks---

Copyright laws not enforced for foreign authors

America was a borrowing Nation—and borrowed a lot from GB

Support of a failed Canadian Independence movement in 1837—“the Caroline” incident—over the falls—and three years later a man was tried for Murder in the incident—eventually his alibi pans out and he is released, but Britain threatens war..

1841, “Creole,” incident--- Brits offer asylum to slaves who while being transported (130) had rebelled and captured the ship and sailed it to the Bahamas.

MANIPULATING THE MAINE MAPS

The British wanted to build a road westward from the seaport of Halifax to Quebec. But the route ran through disputed territory…(Maine)

Map p 374-.THE LUMBERJACK WAR—over the AROOSTOOK RIVER VALLEY*** ensues…War

1842, London sends Lord Ashburton to negotiate—with Secretary of State Webster***

MAINE BOUNDARY SETTLEMENT, 1842***

-We get more of the disputed land (7000 out of 12000 acres)

-Canada got their road

-WE GET (FURTHER WEST) 6500 MORE SQUARE MILES---WHICH INCLUDED THE FAMOUS MESABI IRON ORE FIELD IN MINNESOTA*** (HUGE FOR THE 2ND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BASED ON STEEL)

THE LONE STAR OF TEXAS SHINES ALONE

Since 1836, Texas had been an independent Country.

Mexico never recognized the independence of Texas and threatens WAR if—the USA were ever to attempt to annex Texas.

Texas began to negotiate with both Britain and France for economic and military aid. France, Holland, and Belgium sign treaties with Texas by 1840.

GB wanted an independent Texas, as did France, to be an entry into the Americas potentially for both economic (free trade) and potential expansion issues. British abolitionists wanted to get Texas to free its slaves and then use it as a base to spread into the South—Texas Cotton was also a huge incentive.

BELATED TEXAS NUPTIALS

In the US Presidential campaign of 1844, Texas and Oregon both became huge issues.

Supporters of “Manifest Destiny” (pro-expansion) were led by James K. Polk,

Democrat, v. Henry Clay (again) and the Whigs.

With Polk’s narrow victory---Tyler interprets this Polk victory as a “mandate” to acquire Texas.

This becomes quite controversial due to the fact that Texas was a Slave State*****

“CONSCIENCE WHIGS” FEARED THAT THIS WOULD INCREASE THE POWER OF THE “SLAVE POWER CONSPIRACY” TO CONTROL THE US GOV’T****

Tyler’s Trickeration*** Tyler instead of going through the Senate---for a treaty—needing 2/3rds to agree****INSTEAD CALLS FOR A JOINT-SESSION OF CONGRESS---WHERE HE COULD USE A “JOINT-RESOLUTION” (only requiring 50%+1) to annex Texas*** IN 1845 TEXAS IS ANNEXED AND BECOMES PART OF THE UNITED STATES—THE 28TH STATE.

Mexico’s response to Texas being added to the USA:

Mexico charged THIEVERY***

By 1845 – Texas as an Independent Nation on our doorstep had become a problem—

Potentially a big problem—9 years waiting was enough…

OREGON FEVER POPULATES OREGON

Oregon Country was massive—from the Rockies to the line of 54-40 (southern border of Alaska)

4 Nations claimed at one time all or part of OREGON—Spain, Russia, Britain, and the USA

-Spain loses any claim with the Florida Purchase Treaty (Adams-Onis Treaty) 1819 (the same treaty we forfeit any claim to Texas )

- Russia lost any claim with our treaties in 1824 and 1825.

That left just Great Britain and the USA****

Great Britain had a strong claim, bolstered by the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company

Americans had an equally strong claim based on Robert Gray’s exploration of the Columbia River in 1792 and Lewis and Clark in 1804. Many Missionaries and other settlers came along the OREGON TRAIL*** in the subsequent years***1830s primarily***

The British settlers and American settlers live peaceably side by side---Americans in 1818 had sought the 49th parallel as the boundary--- The British at this time were reluctant to part with Columbia River---so the settle for a JOINT-OCCUPATION--***PENDING FURTHER SETTLEMENT TO BE BROUGHT UP LATER---

Due to the increasing # of missionaries pushed into Oregon territory by the 2nd great awakening…to the settlements along the Willamette River Valley---“THEY SAVE THE --SOIL—FOR THE USA…STIMULATING INTEREST IN A PHENOMENAL LAND---THEIR REPORTS INSPIRE THOUSANDS TO FOLLOW ALONG THE “OREGON TRAIL”****

“OREGON FEVER” 2000 MILE JOURNEY BY 1846 5000 AMERICANS had settled south of the Columbia River… ***avg rate of progress in covered wagons was 1-2 miles per hour/ 100 miles per week/ 5 months for the entire journey…avg. of 17 deaths per mile for Men, women, and children. THE BRITISH ONLY HAD ABOUT 700 OR SO SETTLERS NORTH OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER

THE QUESTION OF THE BOUNDARY OF “OREGON COUNTRY” IS DECIDED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1844---it is less important to some than TEXAS.

A MANDATE (?) FOR MANIFEST DESTINY

Whigs- Henry Clay

Democrats-James K. Polk -- America’s 1st “Dark Horse” (surprise) Presidential Candidate

Polk’s background- Speaker of the House, Governor of Tennessee for 2 terms, “Young Hickory,”

Democrats supported:

Manifest Destiny

Annexation of Texas

All of Oregon

Clay was a corrupt bargainer

Whigs:

Clay, Union, Liberty

Texas issue dooms Clay as “riding the fence” or playing both sides

The Election Results of 1844:

Turns in the State of NY ---Clay loses by 5,000 votes---votes taken by the anti-slavery “Liberty” party---(they earn 16000 n NY) –The minor party actually costs the candidate that they were closest to (anti-Texas?) losing---and thus irony 

POLK THE PURPOSEFUL

“young hickory”

four-point program*** and achieved it in less than four years***

1- lower tariff –tariff of 1842 lowers rate from 32% to 25%

2-restoration of the Independent Treasury (Van Buren’s Divorce Bill)

3-Acquisition of California—Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848

4-settlement of Oregon Dispute—Treaty 1846—settles boundary at 49

(why not all of Oregon, but all of Texas)---Because Mexico is weak and GB is Strong—Senator Benton, Missouri)

End Part 1

BEGIN PART II Prigg v. Pennsylvania, (1842)***fugitive slave law 1793--& Personal Liberty laws***

MISUNDERSTANDINGS WITH MEXICO

California Dreamin—Polk  SF –a future gateway to Pacific Trade 

Pop. of Calif. 1845- 13000 Spanish-Mexicans

75000 Native Americans

1000 Foreigners—mostly Americans thought they might bring Cali into the Union by playing the “Texas Game.”

Polk wanted to BUY CALI… BUT DUE TO THE US ANNEXING TEXAS---MEXICO WAS PISSED and wanted nothing to do with the Americans---They had already defaulted on 3million $$ they owed for damages to Americans during their Revolution…Mexico had recalled its foreign minister from DC already…

Texas Boundary dispute—

Mexico considered the Nueces River the boundary

America/Texas considered the Rio Grander River the boundary

A No Man’s Land EXISTED BETWEEN THE TWO (2) RIVERS ***

Rumors were circulating that GB might be attempting to purchase California from Mexico---unfounded –yet concerning—to Polk---a violation of the Monroe Doctrine***

*******Polk—“as a last desperate measure” sent John Slidell to Mexico City as the new minister to Mexico---AND WITH ORDERS TO PURCHASE CALIFORNIA FOR 25$ MILLION --Including lands to the east…MEXICO WOULD NOT EVEN PERMIT SLIDELL TO PRESENT THE OFFER…

AMERICAN BLOOD ON AMERICAN (?) SOIL

Polk was determined to force a showdown….

1/13/1846 Polk orders Gen. Zachary Taylor to march from the Nueces to the Rio Grande River…to protect the disputed territory from Mexican invasion.

Polk, according to his diary, proposed to ask for WAR based on:

1- unpaid claims to America

2- Slidell’s rejection as Ambassador

Polk though had little time to wait---due to the Mexican forces attacking a small force of Taylor’s troops ---AMERICAN BLOOD HAD BEEN SHED ON AMERICAN SOIL…BY MEXICAN FORCES.

16 DEAD

Polk goes to Congress to ask for WAR---OVERWHELMINGLY CONGRESS SUPPORTS POLK’S WAR MESSAGE****

Though not unanimous in support for WAR:

A. Lincoln, a Whig Congressman from Illinois, introduces the “SPOT RESOLUTIONS” in Congress---asking, “where specifically was the “spot” that American Blood had been shed?

Lincoln pushed this so much he became known as “Spotty Lincoln”

MOST EXTREME ANTI-SLAVERY WHIGS CALLED POLK A LIAR***

Q: Did Polk provoke WAR?

The only way to acquire California, was to go to WAR with Mexico…a war was forced as a pretense to acquire California…

Both the USA and Mexico were wanting to Fight*****

Mexico boasted of:

Invading the USA freeing the Black Slaves, and dominate the American Army

Both felt “RIGHTOUS” ABOUT THEIR CAUSE****

THE MASTERING OF MEXICO***WIKIPEDIA---TEXTBOOK AT BOTTOM CONTINUED***

In 1846 alone… the Presidency of Mexico changed 4 times, The War Minister 6 times, and the Finance Minister 16 times…

General Paredes y Arrillaga comes to power… a Military Dictatorship…

THE THORNTON AFFAIR***BEGINS WAR

BATTLE OF PALO ALTO—Z T using Flying Artillery (horse moved cannon) ---US advantage—

Hand to Hand combat after---US captures Mexican Artillery===BIG US VICTORY---ALL BEFORE WAR WAS DECLARED****

Santa Anna –negotiates with the USA…claiming if he were allowed back into Mexico he would sell the requested territory to the USA for a reasonable price… (HE WAS IN CUBA)

HOWEVER, ONCE IN MEXICO---THROUGH THE US NAVAL BLOCKADE WITH 2 MILLION US DOLLARS, TOO…. HE DECLARED HIMSELF PRESIDENT AND BEGINS TO FIGHT THE AMERICANS****

Opposition to War v. SLAVE POWER CONSPIRACY*** MANIFEST DESTINY

Whigs in the North and South opposed the war—slightly—

Thoreau writes “On Civil Disobedience”

Lincoln’s Spot Resolutions

Wilmot Proviso

Frederick Douglass

1at Press covered war---TELEGRAPH –development of the “Penny Press”

great influence in the press really shaping a “PUBLIC OPINION” NOT THE GOV’T***

TWO MAIN FRONTS:

Kearny to invade Western Mexico from Kansas through Sante Fe into California, supported by the Navy—Adm. Sloat… and commodore Stockton—with help from John C. Fremont (Bear Flag Revolt—spy mission)

Z. Taylor to go from Ft. Brown towards Monterrey

Wins at Monterrey---difficult urban fighting

Takes on Santa Anna at Buena Vista ---4600 Am v. 20000 Mexicans under Santa Anna

Eventually through difficult fighting forces Santa Anna to retreat…to Mexico City

Commodore Perry takes Tabasco on the Gulf of Mexico

St. Patrick’s battalion—US Catholic deserters***

Scott’s famous Vera Cruz to Mexico City campaign***

1st amphibious invasion by US forces**

Lee, Grant, Meade, Longstreet, and Stonewall Jackson all present here **Jeff. Davis w/ Taylor

Called the DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE CIVIL WAR***

BATTLE OF CHPULTEPEC***MILITARY SCHOOL***HANGING OF ST. PATRICK’S DESERTERS***

SCOTT CAPTURES MEXICO CITY***

SANTA ANNA TRIES AGAIN BUT FAILS TO DEFEAT THE AMERICANS***

TREATY OF GUADALUPE HIDALGO***Nicholas Trist’s role 18.25 million $ paid to Mexico…Gadsden Purchase 1853

Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Most of Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming… 900,000 square miles*** roughly 55% of Mexico WOW—about the size of Western Europe

EFFECTS OF WAR-

Similar to Post War of 1812 Nationalism (patriotism)

Fulfillment of Manifest Destiny—Imperialism?

Zachary Taylor becomes a War Hero and future President

Franklin Pierce (the fainting General) becomes President

Schoolhouse for future Civil War leaders

Lincoln loses his Congressional seat in Illinois for his SPOTTY RESOLUTIONS

Grant, McClellan, Sherman, Meade Rosecrans, Burnside all Union Military leaders in the Civil War who fought in Mex-American War

Lee, Jackson, Longstreet, Bragg, Price, and Jefferson Davis all vets of M/A war who fought for Confederacy

Grant from his memoirs on the M/A war:

“ the war… was one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation…The Southern Rebellion was largely the outgrowth of the Mexican War. Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions. We got out punishment in the most sanguinary and expensive war of modern times (US Civil War).”

War fought almost entirely by volunteers---Army grew from 6000 to 115000

Many veterans were plagued by their service….missing limbs, sick, in ill health

Casualty rate over 25% for the 17 months of the war—rising to 40% including after the war

THE MOST DEADLY IN AMERICAN HISTORY

POLITICAL QUARRELS RISE AFTER---

All Mexico movement---

Wilmot Proviso—passed House twice1846-47

Marked the way point for the USA as a growing military power

Opened the American West completely—setting in motion many trends to come…

INFLAMED THE ISSUE OF SLAVERY—ESPECIALLY THE WESTWARD EXPANSION ISSUE

TCRRs---Indian wars begin ---

TEXTBOOK CONTINUED***

Polk wanted California not war…and hoped to fight it on a limited scale…

Santa Anna brought back to sell Calif. To USA he does not—he fights

Southwest push KEARNEY THROUGH SANTE FE INTO CALIFORNIA

In California, John C. Fremont---Bear Flag Revolt---California Bear Flag Republic***secret agent

Southeast—Z Taylor---“Old Rough and Ready”

Battle of Buena Vista---Flying Artillery defeats Santa Anna 5000 v. 20000 (actually Santa Anna retreated to Mexico City to put down rebellion) but he got a bloody nose---

General Winfield Scott and the MEXICO CITY CAMPAIGN---“OLD FUSS AND FEATHERS”

“ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERCAN MILITARY ANNALS”

1ST AMPHIBIOUS LANDING BY AMERICAN TROOPS IN HISTORY

VERA CRUZ TO MEXICO CITY—ROBERT E. LEE DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF HERE

“MOST DISTINGUISHED GENERAL PRODUCED BY THE USA BETWEEN 1783-1861

BECOMES HEAD OF US ARMY AT BEGINNING OF CIVIL WAR***

FIGHTING MEXICO FOR PEACE

Nicholas P. Trist sent to Mexico to negotiate end to war***with Winfield Scott

Bribed Santa Anna to end fighting 10,000$ but Santa Anna kept $$ and kept fighting

Trist recalled but replied with a 65 page telegram/letter ---telling Polk NO

Anti-Slavery Whigs, Conscience Whigs, Mexican Whigs—denounced the war and were causing Polk trouble---speed to end war key---Whigs won House in 1847 and were threatening to CUT OFF FUNDING FOR WAR***

ALL FOR MEXICO GROUP RISES—SLAVE POWER CONSPIRACY***CALHOUN OPPOSES ALL MEXICO***

PROFIT AND LOSS IN MEXICO

“Mexican war was a small one” ???

13000 american lives—most taken by disease

Counting Texas the size of America increased by 1/3rd—GREATER THAN LA. PURCHASE

Spirit of manifest destiny STIMULATED AND ACCOMPLISHED***

SCHOOLROOM OF THE CIVIL WAR

WEST POINT JUSTIFIED ITS EXISTENCE---WELL TRAINED OFFICERS

NAVY SUCCESSFUL—MARINE CORP. WON NEW LAURELS—“FROM THE HALLS OF MONTEZUMA”

“ARMY WAGED WAR WITHOUT DEFEAT”---???

US MILITARY GAINS WORLD WIDE RESPECT

CHAPULTEPEC MILITARY SCHOOL---ST. PATRICK’S BATTALION

MEXICO HAS NEVER FORGOTTEN---US BECOMES “COLOSSUS OF THE NORTH” BAD RELATIONS WITH LATIN AMERICA ENSUE***

“MOST OMINOUS OF ALL THE WAR REAROUSED THE SNARLING DOG OF THE SLAVERY ISSUE”******* AND THE BEAST DID NOT STOP YELPING UNTIL DROWNED IN THE BLOOD OF THE CIVIL WAR***

ABOLITIONISTS ASSAILED THE WAR AS ONE PROVOKED BY THE “SLAVOCRACY” FOR ITS OWN EVIL PURPOSES…

WILMOT PROVISO---“IF THE WAR IS NOT FOUGHT TO EXPAND SLAVERY---THEN WHY NOT NOW ban it from any NEW lands acquired in the war” PASSED THE HOUSE—NOT THE SENATE----BALANCE THE WILMOT PROVISO WAS ENDORSED BY ALL OF THE FREE STATES, BUT ONE…