Section #1 - Causal Factors
Manifest Destiny
The drive to acquire more land reopens the North-South division over slavery.
| Year | Event | Description | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1783 | Treaty of Paris ends the war. | America’s landmass doubles with the British cession of 458,000 square miles, enabling the creation of seven new states. | Chapter 6 |
| 1823 | Austin’s Tejas land grants. | Mexico grants 1.5 million acres to Moses Austin to settle 300 families, initiating the American push into Texas. | Chapter 75 |
| 1835 | The Trail of Tears. | Forced removal of tribes opens up homelands for white settlement and the expansion of the plantation system. | Chapter 73 |
| 1836 | The Republic of Texas founded. | General Sam Houston defeats Santa Anna at San Jacinto, securing independence for the new republic. | Chapter 75 |
| 1845 | Election of James K. Polk. | Polk’s support for annexing Texas meets the public spirit of Manifest Destiny, leading to war with Mexico. | Chapter 116 |
| 1853 | William Walker filibuster. | Attempts to buy or conquer Mexican provinces to set up an empire including slavery. | Chapter 178 |