What is Manifest Destiny?
Belief that U.S. “must” stretch across entire continent (from Atlantic -east- to Pacific -west-) regardless of Native Americans and Mexicans already living there
The Spanish were in California before the Americans, what did they build and what were those buildings for?
They built missions that converted Native Americans to Catholicism (Catholic)
What were the promises made by Stephan Austin and the American settlers when coming to TX?
They promised Mexico that they: would become Mexican citizens, learn Spanish, become Catholic, and not bring/have slaves
What did Britain give up to the U.S. to avoid war?
gave up half of Oregon territory
Underwater adventures of a cook and his friends
Spongebob Squarepants
What trail was used to get to Oregon?
Why did settlers want to go there?
The Oregon Trail
Fur trade drew settlers to Oregon
Where did the California Trail split from the Oregon Trail and what mountains did it (CA trail) cross?
Split in Idaho and crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains
What did the new president, Santa Anna, do?
Passed laws against immigration, enforced laws against slavery, began taxing American settlers, and when they protested he accused them of treason
When Texas was annexed, what was disputed with Mexico, and what happened?
The border was disputed at the Rio Grande River
Polk sent troops, led by Gen. Zachary Taylor to river
Mexican soldiers attacked and 11 Americans were killed
Boy in a huge family with a ton of sisters (Nickelodeon)
Loud House
What was the name of the German wagon(s) most commonly used to travel?
SCHOONER(S)!!!
Summarize the finding of gold in California
James Marshall was building a mill for John Sutter (Sutter's Mill) and he saw gold in the river. They promised to keep it a secret to each other, but that didn't happen. When more people found out about the discovery, they traveled to profit from it.
Describe what happened at the Alamo
Santa Anna and his army went to restore control in TX. Americans settlers hid in Alamo mission, were surrounded for 12 days by army. Most settlers killed, few women and kids left to tell what happened.
Who spoke against going to war with Mexico and why?
Congressman Abraham Lincoln opposed the war, said that it was just a way for the U.S. to expand and get more land
Show about a young boy and his fairies
The Fairly OddParents
The Mormon trail split from the Oregon Trail to go to which state?
Utah
What were the three ways to travel to California?
-Overland (CA trail) hardest, but cheapest
-Sail to Panama, travel to Pacific (overland) sail up to CA; risk of malaria and pirates
-Sail around South America, easiest, but most expensive
What happened in the Battle of San Jacinto?
Sam Houston commanded TX army, and captured Santa Anna who agreed to leave TX and left
Describe the Bear Flag Revolt
John C. Fremont led U.S. settlers to rebel against Mexico in CA. Defeated Mexican troops at Sutter's Fort. Soon, American troops joined and the Americans were able to control CA in weeks
Explain what Mexico and the U.S. did for the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Mexico: gave up claims to TX and southwest land (Mexican Cession)
ALSO set TX border to Rio Grande river
U.S.: promised to pay $15 million to Mexico, $3 million to satisfy U.S. citizens’ claims, and protect 80,000 Mexicans living in U.S.
Women were significant in the West, what were the new rights they had?
BONUS +250: Why is Laura Ingalls Wilder important?
Women could: Own property, control their money, and could vote (suffrage)
BONUS: She wrote Little House on the Prairie, a book about her pioneer experience.
3 key things about Annie Bidwell and what did African Americans do in the West?
1 she founded Chico, CA 2 fought for women's rights 3 hired Native Americans
African Americans fought against slavery and many gained freedom
What happened when Texas wanted to join the U.S.?
U.S. (specifically Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, and Tyler) wouldn't annex because it would create an imbalance in slave and free states and would anger Mexico. Texas -> Republic of Texas or "Lone Star Republic" (own country) Sam Houston President
Who did Polk send instead of General Zachary Taylor to capture Mexico City and were they successful?
General Winfield Scott, was successful, and the U.S. won the war
What did the Gadsden Purchase do?
The U.S. paid $10 million to get land in AZ and NM, this settled the border issue between Mexico and U.S., also got southern railroad route to Pacific