The Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny (US History EOC Review - USHC 2.2)

Summary

The video covers two key aspects of U.S. history: the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny. It explains the Monroe Doctrine’s declaration against European colonization in the Americas and its later impact on U.S. foreign policy. The video also discusses Manifest Destiny, the belief that American expansion from coast to coast was divinely ordained, and how it influenced westward expansion, Texas annexation, and the Mexican-American War. The presenter uses historical context and analogies to make the concepts relatable, touching on themes of progress, power, and territorial growth.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Monroe Doctrine stated that the American continents were not open to future European colonization.
• 🇺🇸 The Monroe Doctrine was a policy statement with limited immediate impact but became significant in later U.S. foreign policy, especially under President Teddy Roosevelt.
• 🌎 Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the obvious, divine right of Americans to expand westward across the continent.
• 🗽 The painting 'American Progress' symbolized the idea that westward expansion was bringing light and civilization, while the Native Americans and wilderness had to be displaced.
• 🇨🇱 Texas fought a war for independence from Mexico in the 1830s, leading to the creation of the Lone Star Republic.
• 🇲🇽 The annexation of Texas in 1845 led to a border dispute with Mexico, which resulted in the Mexican-American War.
• ⚔️ The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was part of Manifest Destiny and ended with the U.S. acquiring a large portion of Mexican territory, known as the Mexican Cession.
• 📜 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War and formalized the cession of Mexican lands to the U.S.
• 🗳️ In the 1844 presidential election, James K. Polk supported Manifest Destiny and won against the anti-expansionist Whig Party led by Henry Clay.
• 🇬🇧 The Oregon Treaty of 1846 settled the boundary between the U.S. and Britain in the Oregon Territory, helping complete the vision of Manifest Destiny.

Q & A

What is the Monroe Doctrine, and why was it created?

The Monroe Doctrine was a policy declared by President James Monroe, stating that the American continents were not open for future colonization by European powers. It was created in response to European nations wanting to reclaim colonies in Latin America and to assert U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.

What was the significance of the Monroe Doctrine in later U.S. foreign policy?

While the Monroe Doctrine had limited immediate impact, its significance grew over time. It later justified U.S. interventions in Latin America, especially under President Theodore Roosevelt, and during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism in the region.

How does the speaker compare James Monroe to George H.W. Bush?

The speaker compares James Monroe to George H.W. Bush by referencing Bush's famous 'Read my lips, no new taxes' pledge. Unlike Bush, Monroe is portrayed as someone who truly meant and upheld his statement about European colonization, emphasizing the Monroe Doctrine's seriousness.

What is Manifest Destiny, and what did it represent?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was America's God-given right to expand westward across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It represented the idea that American progress and civilization should spread, displacing anything, including Native Americans and wildlife, that stood in its way.

What symbolism is present in the 'American Progress' painting, and what does it convey?

In the 'American Progress' painting, Lady Liberty symbolizes progress as she moves westward, holding a book (possibly the Bible) and telegraph wires. Behind her, the land is illuminated with civilization (farms, ships, trains), while ahead, it's dark with Native Americans and wildlife, symbolizing the 'uncivilized' land that must be overtaken.

Why was Texas initially denied annexation by the United States in 1837?

Texas was initially denied annexation due to two main reasons: the U.S. didn't want to provoke a border dispute with Mexico, and there were concerns about upsetting the balance of power between slave and free states, as Texas was a large slave state.

What role did the Mexican-American War play in Manifest Destiny?

The Mexican-American War played a critical role in Manifest Destiny by allowing the United States to acquire vast amounts of land, including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This expansion was seen as fulfilling America's destiny to span from coast to coast.

What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and what did it accomplish?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. Under the treaty, Mexico ceded a large portion of its territory (the Mexican Cession) to the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other western states.

What was the '54-40 or Fight' campaign slogan about, and how did it resolve?

'54-40 or Fight' was a campaign slogan used by James K. Polk, referring to the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory. It implied a willingness to fight Britain for control of the territory, but the U.S. ultimately compromised, setting the border at the 49th parallel.

Why was there controversy over the annexation of Texas and the Mexican Cession?

There was controversy over the annexation of Texas and the Mexican Cession because it intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery. Texas was a slave state, and the newly acquired land raised questions about whether it would allow slavery, fueling sectional tensions between the North and South.

Outlines

00:00

📜 The Monroe Doctrine's Role in US Foreign Policy

The first paragraph introduces the Monroe Doctrine, which emerged during Latin American revolutions as a stance against European colonization. President Monroe declared that the American continents were not open for European colonization, setting a significant precedent for US foreign policy. While the doctrine initially had limited impact, its legacy influenced later interventions, such as Theodore Roosevelt's actions in Latin America and Cold War policies. The comparison to George HW Bush’s 'no new taxes' moment illustrates Monroe's firm stance, distinguishing him as a leader who stood by his word.

05:01

🌄 Manifest Destiny and Its Ideological Underpinnings

This paragraph shifts focus to Manifest Destiny, the belief that the US was destined to expand from 'sea to shining sea.' A political cartoon, 'American Progress,' symbolized this belief through the figure of Lady Liberty leading civilization forward while pushing out Native Americans and wildlife. Manifest Destiny was framed as a divine right for Americans to expand westward, seen as a god-given mission. Jefferson’s notion of America as a 'chosen country' exemplifies this ideology, with the expansion being portrayed as both an opportunity and an obligation.

10:04

🌟 Texas and the Struggles of Annexation

The third paragraph details Texas' fight for independence from Mexico in the 1830s and the difficulties surrounding its annexation into the United States. Texas, symbolized by the Lone Star, represented independence, and its petition for US annexation in 1837 faced challenges due to concerns over slavery and border disputes with Mexico. The balance of power between slave and free states delayed Texas’ annexation, but eventually, under the banner of Manifest Destiny, Texas was annexed in 1845, which led to war with Mexico.

⚔️ The Mexican-American War and Manifest Destiny's Final Push

In the final paragraph, the narrative continues with the Mexican-American War, driven by the US desire to expand westward and fulfill Manifest Destiny. The US victory resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which gave the US significant territory. The paragraph also mentions the Oregon Treaty, where the US compromised with Britain on Oregon’s border, marking the completion of Manifest Destiny. Despite campaign promises of '5440 or fight,' a peaceful compromise was reached, and the US’s westward expansion was essentially complete.

Keywords

💡Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy statement made in 1823 by President James Monroe. It declared that the American continents were no longer open to European colonization and that any attempt to do so would be viewed as a threat to U.S. peace and safety. In the video, it's presented as a significant U.S. policy that shaped American foreign relations, particularly in Latin America, serving as a precursor to later interventions.

💡Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable, often seen as a divine right. It implied that U.S. expansion was morally superior and would bring civilization. The video highlights this idea, particularly through the 'American Progress' painting, and shows how it justified the annexation of territories like Texas and involvement in the Mexican-American War.

💡American Progress

'American Progress' is a famous painting from 1872 that visually represents the concept of Manifest Destiny. It depicts a woman (Lady Liberty) leading American settlers westward, symbolizing civilization. In the video, it’s mentioned to show how westward expansion was seen as a noble and inevitable cause, despite the darker implications for Native Americans and wildlife, which were shown as obstacles to progress.

💡Annexation of Texas

The annexation of Texas refers to the U.S.'s decision to incorporate the Republic of Texas into the Union in 1845, following its independence from Mexico. This move was controversial because it risked war with Mexico and upset the balance of slave and free states in the U.S. The video explains how this was a major issue in the 1844 presidential election, with pro-Manifest Destiny supporters like James K. Polk pushing for it.

💡Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was fought between the United States and Mexico, primarily over the U.S.'s annexation of Texas and its desire for additional territories. In the video, this war is framed as part of Manifest Destiny, with the U.S. taking a significant portion of Mexico’s territory after victory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, resulted in the U.S. acquiring lands like California and New Mexico.

💡Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the peace treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. Under its terms, Mexico ceded a large portion of its territory to the U.S. (known as the Mexican Cession), including modern-day California, Nevada, and Utah. The video discusses the treaty in the context of U.S. territorial expansion and how it furthered Manifest Destiny.

💡Oregon Treaty

The Oregon Treaty of 1846 settled a boundary dispute between the U.S. and Britain over the Oregon Territory. President James K. Polk had campaigned with the slogan '54-40 or Fight,' promising to claim the entire territory, but ultimately compromised with Britain. The video mentions this treaty as another piece in the puzzle of Manifest Destiny, helping the U.S. reach its goal of spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

💡James K. Polk

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He was a strong proponent of Manifest Destiny and is known for his role in the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Treaty, and the Mexican-American War. In the video, Polk is depicted as a central figure in the expansionist movement, fulfilling the nation's goal of territorial growth.

💡Balance of Slave and Free States

The balance between slave states and free states was a critical political issue in the U.S. before the Civil War. Maintaining an equal number of both types of states helped prevent either side from gaining too much power in Congress. The video explains how this balance influenced decisions like the annexation of Texas, as northern states were wary of adding another large slave state to the Union.

💡Lone Star Republic

The Lone Star Republic refers to Texas when it was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845, following its revolt against Mexico. Texas sought to join the U.S., but it took nearly a decade due to concerns about war with Mexico and the balance of slave and free states. The video discusses Texas' independence and how it played a significant role in the larger context of U.S. westward expansion.

Highlights

Introduction of USC 2.2, focusing on the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny.

Monroe Doctrine established to prevent European powers from recolonizing Latin America.

The U.S. policy of staying out of European alliances was influenced by previous presidents like Washington and Jefferson.

Monroe Doctrine had limited immediate impact but later became foundational to U.S. foreign policy, especially during the Cold War.

Teddy Roosevelt later used the Monroe Doctrine to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America.

Manifest Destiny defined as the belief that the U.S. had a God-given right to expand westward.

The concept of 'American Progress' and its depiction in art, showing civilization spreading west, symbolized by Lady Liberty.

Manifest Destiny encouraged the removal of Native Americans and buffalo to make way for westward expansion.

Jefferson's speeches often alluded to Divine Providence and America's 'chosen people' status.

Texas fought for independence from Mexico in the 1830s, symbolized by the Lone Star.

Texas was initially rejected for U.S. annexation due to border disputes with Mexico and concerns over adding another slave state.

The annexation of Texas in 1845 led to the Mexican-American War.

The 1844 presidential election focused heavily on Manifest Destiny, with James K. Polk supporting expansion.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, giving the U.S. a large portion of Mexican territory.

The Oregon Treaty with Britain settled the border dispute peacefully, completing the U.S.'s Manifest Destiny expansion.

Transcripts

hey there students and welcome back to

intensive review in this segment we're

going to look at USC 2.2 which focuses

on two things the Monroe Doctrine and

Manifest Destiny so your question about

this indicator could have to do with one

of those things so first of

all all right forgot my clicker all

right first of all the Monroe Doctrine

all right now what was happening is

there are a lot of revolutions going on

in Latin America and how does the United

States weigh in on this because keep in

mind that Washington and Jefferson had

already said we're staying out of Europe

we're not going to make alliances with

Europe we don't want to get involved in

all their stuff or anything like that so

how do we respond to these

revolutions and Europe wants the

colonies back and they're is some

plotting and scheming amongst European

governments we want to go over there and

take them back over so the United States

articulates the Monroe Doctrine where

President Monroe says the American

continents are henceforth not to be

considered as subjects for future

colonization by any European powers now

what exactly does this say what I think

about is I think about George HW Bush

who in 1988 said re my lips no new taxes

all right now that's what he said he

ended up signing a tax increase all

right but he said no new taxes so when I

think about this I think of James Monroe

as a George HW Bush who actually meant

what he said or something like that so

Europe read our lips no new colonies and

the only thing is that there was really

a limited impact that the Monroe

Doctrine is important really just as an

articulation of American policy more

than it actually accomplishing much of

anything now of course the British kind

of backed us up on it so that was good

but the legacy of the Monroe

Doctrine later on when the United States

actually is a powerful country and we

become the largest industrial power in

the world Teddy Roosevelt is going to

use the Monroe Doctrine as a

justification for very heavy us

intervention in Latin America to keep

Europe an powers from intervening to

collect debts and other things so the

legacy of the Monroe Doctrine is very

important for our foreign policy and

also when you think about the Cold War

and the efforts we made to keep

communism from expanding into Latin

America this is you know really kind of

a definition of our foreign

policy now then we go on to manifest

destiny all right this idea of sea to

shining sea now this cartoon which

hopefully you've seen before is called

American progress now of course this is

American progress as defined in

1872 today if somebody painted this then

they would be seen as very racist and

one-dimensional and that sort of thing

ethnocentric if you will but what you

see here in the middle you see Lady

Liberty who is holding a book which we

can presume to be the Bible and another

hand she's holding Telegraph wires you

see behind her farms and ships and choo

choo trains you see a stage coach Pony

Express guy all of that kind of stuff

civilization that where she's been it is

light where she has yet to be it is dark

and we see where she has yet to be we

see the Buffalo we see the Indians we

see just

darkness that has to go and the

implication here is in order to have

progress the stuff that is inhibiting

progress whether it be Native Americans

whether it be the Buffalo that it's all

got to go and so that's the idea of

manifest destiny now manifest means that

something's evident obvious apparent

plain it's just so obvious that it is

our destiny okay that is something that

is predetermined typically by a higher

power so when you look at Manifest

Destiny it's the idea that God wants us

to expand all the way to the Pacific see

to shine

SE and you can see in Jefferson's

inaugural address where his first

inaugural address he calls this a chosen

country that really that we have been

kindly separated by nature and a wide

ocean from The Exterminating Havoc of

one quarter of the globe from Europe and

we have a chosen country with room

enough for our descendants to the

thousandth and thousandth Generation Now

Jefferson wasn't necessarily a Christian

but he was a believer in Divine

Providence and he said that look in his

second inaugural address he says we need

to commit ourselves to this being in

whose hands We Are Who led our fathers

just like he led Israel of old for

Jefferson the United States keep in mind

those who labor the Earth are the chosen

people of God that Americans are a

chosen people and they are meant to

inherit as much of the Earth as they can

so American progress in order for prog

ress to move forward the stuff in front

has to go so Westward Expansion is a

god-given right really a god-given

ultimatum that is just obvious that God

wants us to go all the

way and part of that going all the way

is to Annex as much land as we can

get and Texas fought a war for

independence in the 1830s I think

there's something coming on the History

Channel pretty soon about that looks

kind of interesting with Bill Paxton so

looking forward to watching that but

you've got the Alamo the Battle of San

jento not likely that you're going to

get a lot of details from this war but

keep in mind that this war was fought

between Texas and Mexico and Texas at

this time was an independent country

keep in mind the Lone Star State when

you've got one star this is showing that

you are independent in Texas they're

still proudly Texan I lived about 20

miles from the Texas border when I was

growing up so not quite a Texan but

Texans are very proud it's hard to get

out of state tuition like the out of the

instate tuition at Texas schools is

awesome the out ofate tuition not so

good I mean Texas is still very very

independent-minded so this Lone Star

Republic which is going to exist for a

little while because the United States

isn't fully committed to manifest

destiny before the 1840s and so in 1837

Texas petitions the US for annexation

and the US no two reasons first of all

we don't want to get in a border dispute

in Mexico second of all this balance of

power power between the slave states and

the free states that there was an effort

here to make sure that neither the slave

states nor the free states were to get

predominance in the union and this

border dispute here so you've got Texas

which Mexico said okay we recognize your

Independence but we recognize your

Independence up to this border and Texas

said no uh the Rio Grand Rio Grande uh

depending on how you pronounce it so

when we Annex Texas with their stated

borders then we enter into a conflict

with Mexico so annexation equals war and

then we look at the balance of slave and

free states in the 1830s there were

actually more slave states by one than

free states so the north wasn't really

crazy about annexing another slave state

that was really big and could

conceivably be split into several slave

states so internal strife which in the

1830s politicians tried to avoid 1850s

will be another story so meanwhile

Manifest Destiny this whole idea in the

1844 presidential election James K pulk

of the Democrats is going against Henry

Clay of the wig party and the wig party

which is has its power had its power

base in the Northeast was against

expansion so this becomes really a one

isue kind of campaign are we going to

have Manifest Destiny or not and what we

see here we see Texas trying to come

into the Union PK's trying to welcome

him home and the wig party's trying to

keep him from coming in with the with

abolitionists who were generally

unpopular in the country as a whole at

that time so pul wins and so does

manifest destiny and so in 1845 by joint

resolution of Congress Texas is

annexed and then the Mexican War which

again Manifest Destiny all right that is

one of the wars of manifest destiny

we're almost there we've got this little

bit here we've got Texas we've got the

Oregon treaty we need to take care of

the rest of it and there's a war all

right right and this war is part partly

because of our desire to move west and

take some of that land and General

Winfield Scott gets to Mexico City we

take the capital we win big and we

occupy Mexico City and we take land all

right the Mexican session which Mexico

gives us almost half their country

really a lot of their you know a lot of

their really good land which there are

some people that said well actually you

know we took the whole thing and we won

and we gave part of it back I'm not sure

if byy that but you know as far as this

it's it's a treaty okay so I mean it's

very controversial still today in Mexico

know how this land was pretty much I

mean when you beat somebody in a war you

don't always take their half their

country but what you really need to know

excuse me is the Mexican session

happened in 1848 and it was a product of

the Treaty of Guadalupe

hialgo and there's a continuing

controversy about it this was an ad that

ran in Mexico that ended up getting

pulled because of controversy in the

unit states where absolute sells a lot

more of their product than in Mexico so

the Oregon treaty while in the campaign

James K pulk said 5440 or fight didn't

keep his campaign promise surprise

surprise politician didn't do that so we

compromise with Britain over the border

of Oregon and that pretty much completes

Manifest Destiny and we will be going on

to talk about annabellum sectionalism in

a moment so hope you'll join us see you

in a

bit

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